MPs from the Liberal democratic party D66 and the minor Christian party ChristenUnie will meet on Tuesday to discuss forming a coalition with the ruling VVD and the Christian Democrats.

Edith Schippers, who is in charge of the cabinet negotiations, told reporters on Monday afternoon that a combination of the four parties is the only option for a majority cabinet.

With both the Socialists and the Labour party ruling themselves out of the talks, there is no other option open, Schippers said.

The Netherlands has been without a government since the March 15 general election. Talks with the VVD, CDA, D66 and left-wing greens GroenLinks collapsed a week ago.

D66 leader Alexander Pechtold has said he sees no point in an alliance with ChristenUnie because the two parties have widely differing views on ethical questions.

In particular, D66 backs assisted suicide for elderly people who consider their lives to be complete and an opt-out register of organ donors.

The four party combine would also only have a one-seat majority in both houses of parliament.