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Wouter Bos had initiated talks with Job Cohen early in the year 2007. PvdA had joined the Dutch cabinet with Jan Pieter Balkenende. Wouter Bos has revealed he was aware that he missed the opportunity to be Dutch Prime Minister when in the elections of 2003 and 2006, the Christian Democrats became the largest party. He had made up his mind he could not become party leader for the next election and make a commitment for another eight years in Dutch politics. I do believe him that he wants to be a dad to his young children growing up. He always showed the intention by being a stay-at-home dad, sharing responsibilities for one working day during the week. His decision and timing was motivated by the circumstance of discussion to stay or return from the Uruzgan mission in Afghanistan. The ultimate motivation was party politics to avoid a heavy defeat at the local elections. He succeeded. As for national politics, his responsibility was to set up financial policy during the coming months by cutting deficit and government spending. Labour party never likes to bear this responsibility as we have seen in the '80s until Wim Kok became party leader. Bos failed in his responsibility for the Dutch people by prioritizing party politics.

The national vote is split in half, the socialist or left wing parties do not have a majority. The PvdA can only rule Dutch politics by joining with the centrist Christian Democrats in a new coalition. The election campaign will not be about substance, rather which of the three parties will be the largest and deliver the initiative of coalition talks and the new Prime Minister. The largest parties will pull voters away from all other minority parties. The government decision making process will be on hold for all of this year until a new cabinet is installed. This may be a heavy burden for the PvdA to carry during the worst economic recession for decades. Job Cohen has no record for financial policy, however in a quick poll he was by far favorite by all voters to become the new Prime Minister. Mission accomplished.

"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."