As the final week of coalition talks approaches, uncertainty looms over who will be the next prime minister of the Netherlands. Despite negotiations nearing their conclusion, Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom (PVV) has kept his cards close to his chest, leaving other parties anxious about the lack of clarity.

Sources within the negotiation process, speaking to Nieuwsuur, reveal that the ruling People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is particularly wary of Wilders’ potential last-minute selection of a candidate. The VVD aims to avoid any surprises and prefers to know in advance who the proposed premier will be.

It has been confirmed that neither Wilders nor the other party leaders—Dilan Yesilgöz of the VVD, Pieter Omtzigt of the New Social Compact (NSC), and Caroline van der Plas of the Farmers’ Party (BBB)—will assume the role of prime minister. However, Wilders has yet to reveal his choice for the position, leaving observers to speculate on his intentions.

Behind closed doors, discussions have included the possibility of approaching a premier candidate jointly nominated by all four parties involved in the negotiations. This approach aims to make the position more appealing to potential candidates and facilitate consensus.

While the selection of the prime minister remains uncertain, deliberations have also begun regarding ministerial appointments. The BBB has expressed interest in nominating Mona Keijzer as a minister and vice prime minister, while other names from various parties are also being considered for cabinet positions.

However, concerns have arisen regarding the appointment of ministers from outside the political sphere. While some parties advocate for expertise from beyond the traditional political establishment, others worry that outsiders may struggle to navigate parliamentary and ministerial processes effectively.

Potential candidates for ministerial roles include former politicians with right-leaning ideologies, such as Fred Teeven and Marco Pastors. Other names circulating include Jacco Vonhof, Hans Biesheuvel, and even the current informateur Elbert Dijkgraaf, although he has expressed reluctance to take on the role.

Despite the ongoing speculation, consensus on a coalition agreement, particularly on contentious issues like migration and finance, remains elusive. The road to forming a new government in the Netherlands appears fraught with challenges, with the question of the next prime minister remaining a central point of intrigue.