D66 leader Jetten confident coalition talks will succeed amid January 30 deadline

Leaders of D66, VVD, and CDA are in the final days of negotiations for a prospective coalition agreement, working toward a January 30 target set by informateur Rianne Letschert. D66 leader Rob Jetten said Monday he has “every confidence that it will work."

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal emphasized that the outcome remains uncertain. “We could reach an agreement in an hour. It could also be that we continue to argue for a long time,” he said.

Bontenbal highlighted the interconnectedness of all financial issues, noting that funding in one area could affect another. “I think it is best if the coalition presents a financial framework that is simply clear,” he added. “The opposition is also clear about what they want. After that, the discussion takes place.”

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz said talks involve not only financial questions but also substantive policy issues. “So we just have a lot of work to do,” she said.

Over the weekend, the leaders focused on budget allocations and funding sources. Media reports have suggested February 23 as a potential date for a new cabinet to appear on the steps of the Binnenhof. Jetten did not dispute that timeline, saying, “It seems logical that next week the debate in the House takes place. Hopefully, we can then quickly move to the next phase of the cabinet formation, assembling the ministerial team. So, by mid- or late-February, the new team should be on the steps.”