Negotiators working on putting the next coalition government in place have told MPs that they now expect to finalise the agreement before parliament breaks up for the Christmas holidays on December 17.

‘The talks are so advanced that the four parties have set the target of presenting the coalition agreement before the Christmas recess, so that parliament will be able to hold a debate on it,’ the letter to MPs said.

The Dutch government has been acting in a caretaker capacity since January 15 after resigning over the childcare benefit scandal. The general election took place in mid March.

The new government will be made up of the same parties as the present one, although the balance of power has shifted slightly.

Last week the Telegraaf said the new cabinet is likely to have 20 ministers and 10 junior ministers,  with the VVD and D66 as the dominant players.