Dutch approve coalition pact; gov. to include anti-Islam party

Dutch Christian Democrat (CDA) party members voted on Saturday to uphold a coalition pact with the Liberal (VVD) party, allowing for a minority government to be formed with support from the anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV).

A majority of CDA members voted by hand for the deal, which had polarised the party due to the concessions, such as banning the burqa and restricting immigration, it made to PVV's populist leader Geert Wilders, who faces charges of stirring racial hatred. (Reuters)