This past week, an agreement was hammered out between three Dutch parties to govern the country: PvdA, CDA and ChristenUnie are in the coalition. One of the more interesting psychological differences between the US, winner take all system, and the parliamentary, coalition system in countries in the Netherlands is that that victory feeling is largely absent from the Dutch system. A poll of PvdAers shows how the excitement is decidedly muted; Balkenende remains as prime minister, and the future will be full of compromise.

"PvdA’ers zijn redelijk tevreden tot dol-enthousiast"