Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Proposed Coalition Unconvincing for Dutch

January 03, 2007
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the Netherlands are divided on their prospective administration, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 45 per cent of respondents express preference for a government encompassing the Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA), the Labour Party (PvdA) and the Christian Union (CU), while 48 per cent disagree.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the Netherlands are divided on their prospective administration, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 45 per cent of respondents express preference for a government encompassing the Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA), the Labour Party (PvdA) and the Christian Union (CU), while 48 per cent disagree.

Dutch voters renewed the Second Chamber in November 2006. The governing CDA of minister president Jan Peter Balkenende secured 41 of the 150 seats at stake, but there has been no final agreement to form a coalition government. With the support of the PvdA, led by Wouter Bos, and the CU, led by Andre Rouvouet, the coalition would have the support of 80 lawmakers.

In December, the CDA, the PvdA and the CU announced that talks aimed at establishing a government would begin this month. 32 per cent of respondents think this agreement could last the whole term, while 50 per cent believe the coalition would cease either in 2007 or 2008.

Bos has publicly discussed changes to immigration policy, the country's health care system and income equality, while Rouvouet has urged to review existing regulations regarding same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia.

Polling Data

Right now, negotiations to form a government including the Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA), the Labour Party (PvdA) and the Christian Union (CU) are taking place. Do you want this attempt to be successful?

Yes

45%

No

48%

Not sure

7%

If this government is formed, when do you think it would fall?

In 2007

27%

In 2008

23%

In 2009

7%

Last the whole term

32%

Not sure

11%

Source: Maurice de Hond
Methodology: Interviews with 1,200 Dutch adults, conducted on Nov. 23, 2006. No margin of error was provided.