Gov't formation talks "struggling" after seven weeks: Dutch PM

"Day by day we struggle on", current Prime Minister and VVD leader Mark Rutte said about the negotiations between the VVD, CDA, D66 and GroenLinks on forming a new government together. He added that no one is trying to drag the negotiations out. After seven weeks of talks, the atmosphere is still pleasant, but forming a government is also "hard work", he said after the latest negotiation session on Monday, the Telegraaf reports.

Rutte pointed out that much has changed since the previous government formation five years ago. Then the VVD and PvdA formed a government within two months. Now four parties with different viewpoints are involved. "A lot more complicated", Rutte said. He added that the Netherlands is also in a very different position than it was in the midst of the economic crisis in 2012. Other than that Rutte would make no further comment on the formation process, led by Edith Schippers.

The negotiations continue on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.