Dutch election: Liberal and Labour politicians expected to form fractious coalition The vote reflects Dutch awareness that their country, the euro's fifth largest economy, is too closely allied with Germany and the single currency to escape the consequences of the EU's debt crisis. Diederick Sansom, the Labour leader, said he would join a government coalition with the Liberals but hinted at trouble over Mr Rutte's enthusiasm for the fiscal discipline and austerity doctrine of Angela Merkel. While both parties are pro-EU, they have opposed polices on social and fiscal policy reflecting the divisions between the German Chancellor and Francois Hollande, the French President. "The Netherlands needs a stable government as soon as possible," he said. We would like to participate in that government, as long as tonight's results can be faithfully represented in the new cabinet's programme. Paul Schnabel, a Dutch sociologist, writing in Het Financieele Dagblad, a financial newspaper, predicted trouble ahead. They are condemned to each other. A forced marriage, which usually has little blessing," he wrote. Ferry Mingelen, political commentator for NOS, a state funded broadcaster, said: "Voters are very divided in their approach. Both the (Liberals) and (Labour) feel like winners and it will be a very difficult negotiation process. They both want to translate their ideas into policy. The hard-left Socialist Party, opposed to austerity and eurozone bailouts, maintained their vote but finished a distant third, tying with Mr Wilders' nationalist Freedom Party. The elections were a disaster for Mr Wilders after his anti-immigration party campaigned to leave the euro and the EU, losing almost half its seats in the process, with a 43 per cent drop in support. Mr Wilders, triggered the elections by bringing down Mr Rutte's last government in April after refusing to approve an austerity budget. "I'd rather have stood in front of you with good news," said Mr Wilders, wiping tears from his eyes last night. In Brussels they are having a party. That's a pity.