Deadlocked Dutch parties to explore unusual forms of government

AMSTERDAM: Several Dutch political parties on Wednesday backed a call by far right leader Geert Wilders to explore unconventional forms of government to cobble together a viable coalition, as a traditional majority government looked unachievable.

Talks on a new government went back to square one earlier this week, almost three months after an election won by Wilders’ nationalist PVV party but short of a majority, after prospective partner NSC backed out of joining any coalition led by Wilders.

The Netherlands traditionally is governed by majority coalitions that nail down their agreements in detailed government pacts.

But the country may have to resort to an unconventional form of government to avert new elections, as too many parties refuse to work with Wilders despite his promises to drop his most contentious plans - such as shutting down mosques and banning the Koran from the Netherlands.