THE HAGUE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Dutch parties D66, VVD and CDA announced on Friday that they will collaborate to form a minority cabinet following a two-day meeting at the De Zwaluwenberg estate in Hilversum, the Netherlands.
According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, it is highly unusual for political parties to choose to operate without majority support from the start of their coalition.
The prospective minority government falls well short of a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The three parties hold a combined 66 seats in the House, leaving them 10 seats short of a majority. In the Senate, they are 16 seats short.
Over the past few days, party leaders have held extensive discussions on the proposed cabinet's structure and finances. D66 leader Rob Jetten said the talks were robust, particularly regarding policy content and budgetary matters. Negotiations on substantive policy dossiers are expected to continue in the coming period. ■