2025 Dutch cabinet formation

Following the Dutch general election of 29 October 2025, an ongoing process of cabinet formation was started.

On 4 November 2025, Wouter Koolmees was selected as scout, after being nominated by the largest party, Democrats 66 (D66).

Background

The previous Schoof cabinet included the Party for Freedom (PVV), People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC) and Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB). The cabinet fell on 3 June 2025, after the PVV left the coalition due to disagreements on asylum policy.

Campaign

During the campaign, possible coalitions were discussed. GL-PvdA, D66, CDA and smaller parties continued to exclude the PVV. The VVD again ruled out governing with the PVV, after it had done so between 2023 and 2025. The VVD also made clear it did not want to join a coalition with the GL-PvdA.

Election results

Both Democrats 66 (D66) and Party for Freedom (PVV) won 26 seats, with D66 winning more votes. 26 seats was the lowest number of seats the largest party had ever won. ^[1]

Scout Koolmees

Wouter Koolmees

Because of uncertainty over who the largest party would be, the selection of a scout was postponed until 4 November. ^[2] Former minister Wouter Koolmees was selected as scout, as proposed by his party D66. ^[3]

References

1. "Een versnipperd Nederland, waarin niemand nog écht de grootste is". NRC (in Dutch). 30 October 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
2. Slomp, Priscilla (30 October 2025). "Nek-aan-nekrace D66 en PVV leidt tot dagen uitstel van aanwijzen verkenner". Nu.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 4 November 2025.
3. De Groot, Joep; Benjamin, Jan (4 November 2025). "Wouter Koolmees gaat als verkenner eerste aanzet geven tot leggen van lastige 'formatiepuzzel'". NRC (in Dutch). Retrieved 4 November 2025.

External links

• Official website of the spokesperson for the cabinet formation