One in three Dutch think Cabinet formation process will be faster than last time

A third of the Dutch population expects the current Cabinet formation to move faster than previous ones, a survey by Kieskompas and ANP among over 56,000 people shows. Meanwhile, more than 40 percent doubt it will be completed any sooner than in past formations.

The previous three Cabinet formations all exceeded 200 days, with the Rutte IV formation setting a record of 299 days. The current formation has been in progress for one month.

Among voters, D66 supporters are the most hopeful, with slightly over half predicting the formation will be quicker than in the past. Voters for the VVD, GroenLinks–PvdA, ChristenUnie, and Volt are also fairly optimistic, with over 40 percent expecting a shorter process. The survey does not provide insight into the reasons behind these expectations.

Around two-thirds of voters for the PVV and FvD expect the Cabinet formation to be longer, while just over half of JA21 and BBB supporters hold the same expectation.

Regional differences are minor. In Noord-Holland, 35 percent of people expect a quicker formation, while in Zeeland the share rises to 44 percent.

The emergence of smaller parties and the growing number of factions in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, have made Cabinet formations longer on average. Since 2010, formations have lasted about 208 days on average, compared with often less than 100 days before 2000.

The formation talks are being led by D66 and the CDA. Informateur Sybrand Buma presented their coalition plans to the press along with the President of the Tweede Kamer, Thom van Campen on Tuesday. The plans are meant as an "invitation" for other parties to join the talks.