A coalition government is one formed by two or more parties working together because none of them has a majority alone. They negotiate a written agreement covering policies and ministerial jobs. Some partners join the government fully, while others agree only to confidence and supply, supporting it on key votes.
A coalition government is one formed by two or more parties working together because none of them has a majority alone. They negotiate a written agreement covering policies and ministerial jobs. Some partners join the government fully, while others agree only to confidence and supply, supporting it on key votes.
Normal under MMP, not a crisis.
Written agreements are published.
Full coalition partners get ministerial jobs.
Confidence-and-supply partners support key votes only.
Parties trade. A smaller party might agree to support the bigger one in exchange for particular policies being adopted, or for its leader becoming a minister.
Since 1996 these agreements have generally been published, so voters can read what was promised to whom.
Confidence means supporting the government's right to govern. Supply means supporting its budget. A party can promise both while staying outside the government on everything else, which lets it disagree publicly on other issues.
No coalition party gets everything it campaigned on. That frustrates some voters and reassures others. It is the direct consequence of a system that shares seats out proportionally.
Can a coalition break up?
Yes, and if it loses confidence there can be an early election.
Is a minority government possible?
Yes, if enough MPs outside it agree to supply confidence.