I think it's a bit premature to put Timmermans up as leader of the PvdA/GroenLinks list right now. I would strongly recommend that we put up the list logo in his stead. The list uses the same long process as the VVD, the CDA and D66 to elect their leader. Interested candidates throw their hats into the ring by a certain date (in the PvDA-Groenlinks case, it's August 4. Read here: https://www.groenlinks.nl/nieuws/tijdpad-gezamenlijke-verkiezingsdeelname ). The PvDA-Groenlinks board then selects their candidate (it may be Timmermans, or it may not be). This selection will then compete against non board-favored candidates for the vote of thousands of PvdA and GroenLinks members, with results announced on August 22. If we put up Timmermans now, why not also put up Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius for the VVD, or Rob Jetten for D66? What do you think?

I completely agree.

Just an inconvenient point: though Omtzigt announced the formation of his new party Saturday, one which is advertised to likely command first place (44 seats, it is forecast) in the House this November, Omtzigt states that he is not running for prime minister https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/08/pieter-omtzigt-launches-new-party-says-he-wont-be-pm/

On the eve of elections to the Tweede Kamer, the major candidates held a furious and fierce final debate https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67399766 Geert Wilders had (rather suddenly) surged to the top in the last two polls - all the heat was directed at him. Omtzigt's wobbly-weak, Hamlet-like 'to be or not to be prime minister' act has drained his support and set back his momentum (he's slipped from first to fourth place). Timmermans played to type while Yeşilgöz-Zegerius took it bravely on the chin. They are in second and third place https://www.maurice.nl/2023/11/21/prognose-voor-de-uitslag-van-de-historische-tk-verkiezingen-2023/ Stand-by coalition partners CDA and D66 are going to be wiped out. So, odds are good that we (joyfully) see a quicker-formed, two- to three-party coalition government this time around [one good thing about being Rutte free in 2023 - no more 299-day negotiations].

My belief DYZ saying she would entertain having PVV in her government was a catastrophic blunder. Previously, the other parties ostracizing PVV made right-leaning voters know they were voting for an opposition. Now, they were given a chance to be in government and the voters rallied to them (DYZ trying to imitate the Wilders immigration views didn’t work as voters voted for the original rather than the cover). DYZ is now saying SHE won’t be in a Wilders government.

Only BBB has said it is willing to enter a formal coalition with PVV, VVD will not join a cabinet but could lend parliamentary support, and NSC is very hesitant but at the negotiating table. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/21/geert-wilders-is-in-coalition-talks-but-far-from-forming-dutch-government

A PVV-VVD-NSC-BBB coalition is coming together. Wilders will not be Prime Minister. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/15/far-right-geert-wilders-agrees-deal-dutch-coalition-government