As the second attempt to put together a new coalition government in the Netherlands comes to the end of its second week, the Telegraaf suggests that the mood may be switching towards a centre-left cabinet instead. 

Sources have told the paper that the talks with new negotiator Kim Putters have not progressed and that a cabinet involving the GroenLinks-PvdA left-wing alliance is coming more to the fore. The alliance came second in last November’s general election. 

The far-right party PVV, which emerged as by far the biggest party last year, is still hoping for a right-wing coalition as is the pro-farmers BBB, the paper said. But the VVD and NSC continue to have doubts and forming a cabinet is still a long way off. “They have dug in their heels and are not making any new concessions,” the paper said. 

The VVD, under Dilan Yesilgöz, has said it is prepared to take part in an “extra-parliamentary” cabinet, made up of experts rather than party members, as long as the NSC is on board. 

But NSC Pieter Omtzigt reiterated that he will not take part in any form of cabinet which includes the PVV and Geert Wilders. He has said, however, that he is prepared to act as a silent partner to such a cabinet.

“A majority cabinet is no longer on the cards, but these parties have been thrown together,” said RTL commentator Xander van der Wulp. “And Omtzigt has now given an opening.”

In the meantime, insiders told the Telegraaf that GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans could end up in the spotlight. If he is invited for talks with Putters next week, then he could be asked to look into a centre-left alliance, the sources say. 

Wilders has urged the VVD and NSC to have a change of heart, saying on social media that he has done all he can to make a right-wing cabinet possible. Otherwise, it will be “thanks to you” if the Netherlands ends up with a Timmermans-led administration, he said. 

The NRC, however, says a coalition involving the GroenLinks-Pvda is “extremely unlikely” given the election results.