THE HAGUE, 23/01/03 - The Christian democrats (CDA) will in any case play a central role in the formation of a new government. On the eve of the elections, though, CDA leader Jan Peter Balkenende said he wanted a coalition neither with labour (PvdA) nor one with the conservatives (VVD) and Pim Fortuyn List (LPF).

In the last big TV debate, Balkenende stated that his own government "had been a ignominious spectacle. " The caretaker premier added he would consider it "implausible and incomprehensible" if the CDA, VVD and LPF were to form a cabinet again. "I do not see that happening," he said.

But at the same time, Balkenende said he would prefer a three-party coalition than forming a center-left cabinet with the PvdA. The CDA leader hardly sees a basis for coming to an agreement with the PvdA. "We simply should not do a center-left coalition," he said. Balkenende concluded his confused performance by stating that he does not rule out either the PvdA or the LPF from participation in government.

The important TV appearance between the leaders of the six largest parties had no clear winner. The crossing of the swords was watched by about 3.2 million people, an absolute record in the history of final party leaders debates.