ABSTRACT
In the parliamentary elections of 27 May 1981, the three largest parties all lost votes. The outgoing government parties Christian Democrats (CDA) and Liberals (VVD) lost their majority. The main opposition party, the Social Democrats (PvdA) however also lost votes. The Dries Van Agt II government took office on 11 September 1981. During the formation, financial and socio-economic policy was important both because of the deteriorating economic situation and because the three parties had profiled themselves rather differently in this field. During the negotiations, the focus was on cuts in expenditures, the budget deficit, elaboration of an employment plan, income and tax policy, and investment regulation. With regard to the issue of nuclear energy, the parties had widely different positions. Within the field of education, conflict existed between the CDA and the PvdA over secondary education. In its election manifesto, the PvdA argued in favour of one general and public system of secondary education for the age group 10–14 years.
