Dutch Deal

Politicians in the Netherlands reached an informal deal today to form a right-wing government, which is "good news" for Dutch defense initiatives and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, according to Lt. Col. Marcel de Haas, a Dutch military officer and a senior research fellow at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael in The Hague.

Successful informal talks between the Conservative Liberals (VVD), Christian Democrats (CDA) and the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PPV) will now lead to formal negotiations, De Haas told Inside the Pentagon. "This is intended to lead to a minority government of CDA and VVD, with support from PVV to gain a majority for the policy plans as agreed," he said. Though the parties are still "far away" from  forming a new government, the deal likely means there will be fewer defense cuts and greater commitment to Dutch participation in the F-35 program than if a left-leaning coalition had successfully emerged, according to De Haas.

He said the VVD has not advocated defense cuts, while the CDA has advocated half a billion euros ($651 million) in defense cuts.  The PVV has advocated 1 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in defense cuts, but in the support role the PPV would not be in government, De Haas said. CDA and VVD are in favor of the Joint Strike Fighter, whereas PVV is against, he said. De Haas is also a defense adviser for the Dutch Reformed Party (SGP). Dutch military personnel are allowed to be active in politics, to include running for parliament.