The leaders of the Christian Democrats, PvdA (Labour) and ChristenUnie hope to have the basis of a future coalition agreement ready by Friday, news agency ANP reported on Thursday evening. The three leaders are set to end their negotiations on a country estate in the Frisian village of Beetsterzwaag on Friday afternoon.

NOS tv reported that the three men – Jan Pieter Balkenende, Wouter Bos and André Rouvoet – spent Thursday discussing their vision of the Netherlands in the future. The talks, under the leadership of intermediary Herman Wijffels, are taking place away from the pressure of parliament in an effort to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Talks will continue in The Hague next week.