The German federal government hopes for a stable executive in the Netherlands. “Naturally we are keen on stable governments-especially in our neighboring countries” said deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille to the news agency on Friday. “But that is not within our sphere of influence”.

The chancellor is looking forward to welcoming the new Dutch prime minister, Rob Jetten, in Berlin on Monday. “Anything else is not something we are currently worrying about” Hille added.

Jetten is leading a coalition in The Hague made up of his own left‑liberal D66 and the conservative VVD and CDA. The coalition, however, does not hold a majority in the Dutch parliament, so every legislative proposal must be negotiated with the opposition, which largely remains cautious or reluctant.