Samenvatting

Every four years in the Netherlands, after the municipal elections, there are an average of twenty local parties (and ten local branches of national parties) that become the largest in their municipality, but do not end up in the coalition. In this study, in which we looked for the main reasons for this, substantive differences between parties and a lack of experience proved only provided a limited explanation. In almost all cases where the largest local party does not participate, (disturbed) political and personal relations between parties are the main reason. Here we have in mind, for example, aldermen who do not work well together, disagreements about certain files or parties, or persons on the council whose political style arouses disgust among other parties and politicians. This emphasis on the importance of political and personal relations leads to some important lessons for political parties who want to avoid being side lined prematurely when forming a local coalition in the future. These can be summarised as investing proactively in relationships with other parties, not underestimating the importance of relationships, guarding against pride and being alert in negotiations.