THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The official appointed to investigate possible coalitions after the Dutch election won by Geert Wilders ‘ far-right Party for Freedom said Friday he needs more time because of reluctance by potential partners to join Wilders in a government.
Ronald Plasterk, a former government minister from the center-left Labor Party, had been expected to present his report on possible formations early next week ahead of a Dec. 7 debate in the lower house of parliament.
But in a letter to the lower house president, Vera Bergkamp, he said he hopes to report back to her early in the following week.
The delay comes after two key parties backed away from joining a coalition with Wilders. The new leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing prime minister Mark Rutte has said she will not join a coalition led by Wilders, but would offer it support in parliament.
Pieter Omtzigt, the leader of another potential coalition partner, New Social Contract, told Plasterk he was not yet ready to discuss forming a coalition with Wilders.
Omtzigt has previously criticized Wilders’ repeated anti-Islam…
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