Dutch parties agree draft coalition accord
Source: Reuters
(Adds details from leaked draft) By Niclas Mika AMSTERDAM, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende agreed a draft coalition accord with leaders of the Labour party and a small religious party, and sent it to parliamentary factions for approval on Monday. Once the coalition parties approve the accord, Balkenende can form the next government. Balkenende's Christian Democrats were forced to enter talks with the opposition Labour party and the Christian Union after an inconclusive election in November. Members of parliament of the three would-be coalition partners were still poring over the text late on Monday and a Labour party spokesman said the accord was expected to be made public on Tuesday. Dutch radio station BNR published part of what it said was the draft coalition agreement on its Web site. According to the document, the three parties have earmarked 10 billion euros ($13 billion) for key policy initiatives such as strengthening the economy and security. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the authenticity of the document. The new centre-left government will stop short of major economic reforms -- shelving plans to limit mortgage tax breaks or ease rent controls -- and shift to a softer stance on immigration, Dutch media reported at the weekend. The financing of state pensions will be adapted to encourage people to work longer, seen as crucial as large numbers of baby boomers are coming up to retirement, straining health care and pension systems. The coalition also plans to grant an amnesty to unsuccessful asylum seekers who entered the country before 2001, when new tougher rules took effect, Dutch media reported. Labour party leader Wouter Bos appears set to become deputy prime minister and finance minister. It is unclear whether Christian Union leader Andre Rouvoet will take a cabinet post.
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