Dutch king meets PM as crisis deepens after NSC ministers' departure

THE HAGUE - Dutch King Willem-Alexander met with Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Monday to address the country's political crisis following the resignation of all New Social Contract (NSC) ministers late last week, the Government Information Service said.

According to the service, discussions are underway on possible solutions to the "complex situation" triggered by the NSC ministers' departure. In the meantime, the remaining cabinet members have assumed additional portfolios to ensure the government continues to function.

Justice and Security Minister David van Weel has assumed responsibility for the Interior Ministry. Infrastructure Minister Robert Tieman has expanded his portfolio to include health, while Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has also taken on the role of foreign minister.

Meanwhile, Mona Keijzer, already minister of housing and spatial planning, has additionally assumed responsibility for social affairs and has been appointed deputy prime minister.

The NSC ministers' mass departure followed Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp's resignation last week over what he described as insufficient support for tougher measures against Israel. His move prompted fellow NSC ministers to quit the caretaker government.

The resignations have further weakened the fragile coalition, leaving only the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) in the government. The cabinet has been operating in caretaker mode since June 3, when the Party for Freedom (PVV) pulled out over asylum policy.

New elections are set for Oct 29, but coalition talks could drag on for months afterward, delaying the formation of a new government and extending the interim arrangements.