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Originally Posted by Matt D
Yup, I'm glad they took their time over it. Hell, compared to Europe though it was rushed - apparently deals can take a month to negotiate in some countries!
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Correct. A couple of weeks is pretty much the norm in The Netherlands, and people don't get worked up over it. In Holland the Queen will appoint a person (usually from the biggest party) tasked with talking to all parties who will then decide on the most likely coalition before formal talks between parties commence. Talks can break down, and multiple coalition choices may be considered. People don't get worked up about it, and don't see the country as a rudderless ship. Instead, policy for the coming 4 years is laid out, and rather than rushing it through to form a government, this is considered a process that is worth taking time over to make sure that parties reach a viable agreement. As said elsewhere, the world doesn't stop spinning during this period. The civil servants are in place to deal with any urgent matters, and there is a parliament. The only thing that doesn't happen is that no bills of any importance are passed in parliament. It really isn't a big deal provided it doesn't last ages.