Balkenende forms with speed his third cabinet

fter receiving the final report of the “informateur” Ruud Lubbers, Queen Beatrix asked outgoing prime minister Balkenende to form his third cabinet.

Former prime minister Ruud Lubbers expects that a minority cabinet of CDA and VVD will have enough support in parliament for its main mission; to present and defend a full budget in September.

D66 will support the economic policy, declared party leader Lousewies van der Laan. She opposes a wider agenda and she is glad that there will be an election soon.

Ruud Lubbers joined all ends of the formation puzzle Wednesday morning. Early afternoon he presented his findings to Queen Beatrix. She appointed Balkenende to form a new cabinet.

Lubbers advised Balkenende to be cautious on various subject and to with hold from radical proposals. He does not expect that the small LPF faction will play a major roll for the new cabinet to reach various majorities in parliament. “This is a normal missionary cabinet, there is no question of silent support. (gedoogsteun).”
- posted by DD @ 11:52 PM Perma Link/Print