Deals to dominate Dutch politics

DUTCH politicians yesterday began what could be months of bargaining to form a coalition after elections that put centrist parties back in control and relegated an anti-immigration party to the far-right fringe.

The Christian Democrats edged out a resurgent Labour Party by a 44-42 margin in the 150-seat parliament in Wednesday's vote, ensuring that Jan Peter Balkenende will remain prime minister for a second term.

But lacking enough support from like-minded, pro-business parties, Balkenende appeared to have little choice than to strike a deal with its traditional centre-left rival, Labour.