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The Netherlands

By jramse04204

  • Wim Kok becomes prime minister

    Wim Kok becomes prime minister at the head of a three-party coalition

  • Wim Kok is re-elected

    Wim Kok is re-elected prime minister

  • Pim Fortuyn is assassinated

    The public is shocked by the anti-immigration party leader, Pim Fortuyn's death by gunman. Then, his party, formed three months earlier, comes second in elections. Moderately conservative Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) led by Jan Peter Balkenende tops poll. Balkenende becomes Prime Minister in centre-right coalition with List Pim Fortuyn Party and liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).

  • Balkenende's government collapses

    Balkenende's government collapses, brought down by infighting in List Pim Fortuyn Party

  • Rejection of proposed EU constitution

    Dutch voters reject a proposed EU constitution, days after a French referendum goes against the treaty

  • Temporary minority government is created

    Prime Minister Balkenende forms a temporary, minority government after his coalition collapses in a row over immigration, precipitating early elections in November.

  • Jan Peter Balkenende is sworn in

    Jan Peter Balkenende is sworn in as head of a three-party centrist coalition, three months after general elections

  • New minority government

    The coalition government collapses following dispute over troops in Afghanistan and later the centre-right Liberal Party emerges as largest party in parliamentary election. After months of coalition talks, Liberal Party and Christian Democratic Appeal agree to form minority government with parliamentary support from Geert Wilders' right-wing Freedom Party.

  • Election of 2012

    Prime Minister Mark Rutte resigns after the right-wing Freedom Party refuses to support an austerity budget. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling Liberals win election with 41 seats in parliament, two more than centre-left Labour. The Eurosceptic and anti-immigrant Freedom Party sustains heavy losses. Liberals and Labour form a coalition headed by Mark Rutte. The new government warns that tough austerity measures will be needed.