NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt walked out of a television talk show interview for a few moments when questioned about his “emotional behaviour” during the difficult cabinet formation talks this spring and early summer.

Omtzigt, who has only just returned to work after taking several months off with stress, was talking to WNL interviewer Rick Nieman on Sunday when he walked off the set.

Nieman suggested to Omtzigt that the formation talks had run into trouble because of him and his behaviour. “People said on camera that Pieter Omtzigt is crying, shouting and walked off,” Nieman said.

Omtzigt appeared to struggle to compose himself and said that he thought it “extraordinary” that people were “quoting what happened in confidential negotiations”. Nieman suggested he was being cautious in his response, at which point Omtzigt asked for a break.

After a short pause, he returned and completed the interview.

The NSC leader later commented on social media that he had had a “difficult moment” during the interview, which was set up as a look back at the political year.

“I was asked a question about claims that have been made about me and my family, which deeply affected me,” Omtzigt said, adding that he wanted to reintegrate back into politics after his time off “carefully”.

“I noticed during the interview that I am still somewhat limited in what I can manage. Unfortunately, this is part of the recovery process, which has its ups and downs. You were able to catch a glimpse of that today.”

Commentators have said the incident shows that Omtzigt is still fragile and highlights the lack of stability within the coalition.

“Decisions have to be taken in the new year about a number of complicated subjects, including manure, nitrogen and the climate,” said NOS reporter Wilco Boom. “The pressure is not becoming any less.”