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NOS News • August 2006 • Politics

2006 Parliamentary election results

The Netherlands has voted, and the results of the 2006 parliamentary elections have delivered a nuanced result. The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), led by incumbent Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has emerged as the largest party in the 150-seat Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), securing 42 seats.

The Labour Party (PvdA), under the leadership of Wouter Bos has secured 35.

One of the most significant stories of the night was the meteoric rise of the Socialist Party (SP), led by Jan Marijnissen. The SP more than doubled its seats from 9 to 25, capitalizing on public discontent with neoliberal reforms and global financial instability. Their performance marks a historic high for the party and positions it as a major force on the Dutch left.

The right-liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by Mark Rutte, also faced losses, dropping to 22 seats. Rutte's leadership—his first election as party leader—will likely come under scrutiny following the disappointing result.

Another notable development was the loss amongst the United Netherlands Party (VB), founded by John Daelman, which secured only 9 seats. Once seen as a rising force, the result may force a re-evaluation of its strategy and messaging.

Political analysts suggest that the election results signal a public yearning for stable, centrist governance amid uncertain times. At the same time, the surge in support for the Socialist Party reveals growing discontent with neoliberal policies, intensified by global financial instability. Any incoming government will need to reckon with these shifting sentiments, likely placing greater emphasis on social welfare and support for the most vulnerable as it navigates a world marked by economic and political turbulence.

Coalition negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with a new government not likely to be formed for several weeks, if not months. Until a new government is installed, Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and his cabinet continue in a caretaker capacity.




Figure 1. Seat distribution of the 2006 general election

	Party	Political position	Seats
CDA	Christian Democratic Appeal	Centre-right | Christian democracy	42
PvdA	Labour Party	Centre-left | Social democarcy	35
SP	Socialist Party	Left-wing | Democratic socialism	23
VVD	People's Party for Freedom and Democracy	Centre-right | Conservative liberalism	20
VN	United Netherlands	Right-wing | National conservatism	9
GL	Green Left	Left-wing | Green politics	9
CU	Christian Union	Centre | Christian democracy	6
D66	Democrats 66	Centre | Social liberalism	4
SGP	Reformed Political Party	Right-wing | Christian right	2

Table 1. Results of the 2006 general election

 

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NOS News • September 2006 • Politics

Daelman Rages Against Catalonian Separatism: "A Threat to European Unity"

John Daelman, leader of the United Netherlands Party in the House of Representatives, has issued a scathing condemnation of the ongoing push for Catalonian independence, warning that the movement threatens to unravel the very fabric of Europe’s modern political order.

Speaking during a heated parliamentary debate on the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ position at the Global Assembly concerning Spain’s internal unrest, Daelman accused the Catalonian separatists of endangering the stability of not only Spain, but of Europe as a whole.

“This is not simply a Spanish matter,” Daelman declared. “Catalonian secessionism is the first domino in a chain reaction that could see the disintegration of long-established European states. After Catalonia will come the Basques, then the Bavarians, and then perhaps even the Frisians. This is a direct threat to the territorial cohesion and sovereignty of our continent’s nation-states.”

Daelman, whose United Netherlands Party espouses a nationalist and sovereignty-first agenda, has consistently opposed supranationalism and regional separatism alike.

“Europe is already facing a volatile geopolitical landscape. Now is not the time to entertain fantasies of medieval patchworks of duchies and republics. We must reinforce national unity,” he said.

In response to Daelman's remarks, members of several centrist and progressive parties accused him of fearmongering and inflaming tensions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has thus far maintained a cautious line, reaffirming its commitment to Spanish sovereignty and constitutional order while calling for a peaceful and legal resolution to the crisis.

 

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NOS News • September 2006 • Politics

CDA and PvdA Reach Coalition Deal; Cabinet De Hoop Scheffer II Formed

Following the 2006 general election, it became clear that a governing majority would require cooperation between the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the centre-left Labour Party (PvdA). After several weeks of negotiations, a coalition agreement was reached in record time late last night between CDA leader and caretaker Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and Labour leader Wouter Bos.

The agreement, titled "A Strong and Prosperous Netherlands in the 21st Century", sets out the policy framework for the new government. Its core priorities reflect a joint commitment to economic resilience, social equity, and national security in response to evolving global challenges.

One of the central pillars of the agreement is the strengthening of the Netherlands’ fiscal position. The coalition intends to implement prudent budgetary measures ensuring long-term financial sustainability, and maintaining investor confidence. Fiscal discipline will be balanced with targeted public investments to stimulate growth and safeguard essential services.

In response to growing concerns over global economic instability, the cabinet plans to invest in strategic infrastructure projects. These include upgrades to transport networks, digital connectivity, and public works. Such investments are intended to boost economic competitiveness, improve regional accessibility, and support the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Another key focus of the agreement is defence and security. Recognising the shifting international security environment, the new government has pledged to increase defence spending, modernise military capabilities, and enhance the readiness of the armed forces. This includes investments in personnel, equipment, and international cooperation.

The composition of the De Hoop Scheffer II Cabinet is outlined below:

Ministers	Prime Minister & Minister of General Affairs: Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (CDA) Minister of Finance & Deputy Prime Minister: Wouter Bos (PvdA) Minister of Foreign Affairs: Maxime Verhagen (CDA) Minister of Interior Affairs & Kingdom Relations: Guusje ter Horst (PvdA) Minister of Defence: Bert Koenders (PvdA) Minister of Economic Affairs: Maria van der Hoeven (CDA) Minister of Infrastructure & Water Management: Camiel Eurlings (CDA) Minister of Justice & Security: Ernst Hirsch Ballin (CDA) Minister of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality: Gerda Verburg (CDA) Minister of Education, Culture & Science: Ronald Plasterk (PvdA) Minister of Social Affairs & Employment: Ahmed Aboutaleb (PvdA) Minister of Public Health & Sports: Jet Bussemaker (PvdA)
Ministers without Portfolio	Minister for Foreign Trade and Development: Frank Heemskerk (PvdA)
State Secretaries	State Secretary for Finance: Jan Kees de Jager (CDA) State Secretary for Defence: Jack de Vries (CDA) State Secretary for European Affairs: Frans Timmermans (PvdA)