Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his main rival at national elections, the far-fight populist Geert Wilders clashed Monday in their only nationally televised face-to-face debate ahead of Wednesday's vote, with Wilders calling Rutte untrustworthy and Rutte responding by saying a Wilders government

On Saturday party leaders Alexander Pechtold (D66), Sybrand Buma (CDA), Lodewijk Asscher (PvdA), Mark Rutte (VVD), Geert Wilders (PVV) and Emile Roemer (SP) debated policy, explained what topics they find important and played games on kids TV show NOS Jeugdjournaal.

For the most part, the leaders used the debate to advance their traditional issues and make overtures toward potential coalition partners.

"We found that many voters are looking for and need more information. They actively ask us for it", RTL Nieuws director Harm Tasselaar said. "Also from among the political parties there is a widely shared desire to cross swords and inform voters about their main views during prime time. We see it as

Broadcaster RTL on Sunday cancelled its scheduled election debate after PVV leader Geert Wilders and prime minister Mark Rutte pulled out