ection have caused a major stir in the country and around the world. "Since the purple' coalition was created in 1994 D66 has played a pivotal role, bridging the gap between the two main parties. However, with their seats reduced by nearly half - from 24 to 14 - the party's participation in the ruling coalition is no longer guaranteed" (Mottershaw 9). After having a successful four years in the coalition, D66's loss of nearly half of their seats was a major blow. The party is so upset over the matter that they may decide not to join in the coalition again and instead sit on the opposition benches. If D66 does not take part in the coalition, then building a new one may be quite difficult because the central issue which divides the two main parties is economics.The PvdA, the big winner in the 1998 election, interprets the election results as sign that the people want the stringent fiscal policy of the last four years relaxed. The VVD, on the other hand, wants to see a continuation of budget cuts, deficit reduction, and tax relief. Even if the politicians do nothing but argue, normally the Netherlands would be fine, and they could simply ride on their booming economy. However, the coming launch of the new European currency could throw the whole thing off because the Dutch are set to play a major role in it. How can the Dutch launch a new currency to rule Europe when they can't even decide what to do with their own money? "How the two parties will resolve their differences and form a workable alliance remains to be seen" (Mottershaw 10).Others seem to show less concern over the Netherlands' political matters. An article in The Economist says that the Dutch themselves are losing little sleep over the matter. "Indeed, the calm is pervasive that no one seems sure what is coming next. Maybe nothing: although Wim Kok, the popular center-left prime minister, resigned on May 19th, it remains unclear whether he or his government will a...
