NSC Continues To Hold Off From Coalition Talks w/PVV

There are early doubts as to whether the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) of Pieter Omtzigt will even agree to begin formal coalition talks with the right-wing populist Party for Freedom (PVV) after a journalist photographedpapers held by Omtzigt as he left a meeting with parliamentary scout Ronald Plasterk. On papers held by Omtzigt the words "lower limit" were seen, followed by "not in PVV/NSC/BBB." NL Times reports: "Omtzigt often used the term "lower limit" in the context of the Cabinet formation. "For me, the Constitution is the lower limit," he said to the press on Monday after his meeting with Plasterk."

• There remains speculation as to whether Omtzigt had left the text on show deliberately or accidentally. The NSC head himself posted on X that the display was inadvertent, but that it was in line with his party's views.
• Plastkerk has called for the four parties (NSC, PVV, centre-right VVD, and agrarian populist BBB) that could form a coalition or gov't to negotiate in pairs in an effort to reach an agreement.
• The first opinion polling post-election shows Geert Wilders' PVV would pick up even more seats at present: PVV 42 (+5), GL-PvdA 22 (-3), NSC 19 (-1), VVD 16 (-8), D66 11 (+2), BBB 10 (+3), CDA 6 (+1), SP 5 (=), DENK 3 (=), PvdD 3 (=), FvD 3 (=), SGP 3 (=), CU 3(=), VOLT 3 (+1), JA21 1 (=). Peil.nl, 1-2 Dec, seats, chgs w/Election Results