The latest poll of polls shows coalition party VVD has increased its lead to between 40 to 46 seats, gaining 9 since the start of the coronavirus crisis, broadcaster NOS reports.

The poll of polls (Peilingwijzer) is a combination of four separate opinion polls produced by I&O Research, Ipsos, EenVandaag and Kantar.

Poll compiler Tom Louwerse said the VVD’s success should be seen in the context of the public appreciation for the way the cabinet is handling the coronavirus crisis. I&O Research figures show that 2 out of 3 people are happy with the cabinet’s approach while polls conducted by current affair programme Een Vandaag and Ipsos indicate that three quarters of Dutch voters think Rutte is doing a good job.

‘Traditionally confidence in the cabinet will focus on the biggest coalition party,’ Louwerse told NOS. ‘The VVD was clearly already the biggest party before the crisis and it has only increased its lead.’

That is not to say the party will necessarily benefit come next year’s elections, Louwerse warned. ‘The coronavirus crisis will be followed by an economic crisis the effects of which are already being felt by many but which is predicted to become worse. The question is whether that will be laid at the VVD’s door as well.’

The Christian Democrats have not profited from the corona effect to the same extent as the VVD and have lost predicted seats, as has D66. These parties are currently on 11 to 15 seats and 8 to 10 seats respectively. ChristenUnie has gone up slightly to 7 seats. Meanwhile, pensioners party 50Plus plunged to between 1 and 3 after Henk Krol stepped down as party leader to form the Partij voor de Toekomst (Party for the future).