The Dutch election has turned into a nail-biter, with the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders and the centrist Democrats66 (D66) party led by Rob Jetten neck-and-neck for the top spot. With 99.7% of the vote tallied, the PVV is fractionally ahead of D66, but the difference is mere thousands of votes. Both parties are projected to take 26 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, making this one of the closest elections in Dutch history.
The election outcome has significant implications for the country’s future, particularly regarding immigration and asylum policies. Wilders, known for his anti-Islam stance, has been a prominent figure in European right-wing populism for two decades. His party’s strong showing, despite losing 11 seats from its 2023 peak, indicates the enduring appeal of far-right ideologies in the Netherlands.
On the other hand, D66’s strong performance, led by the charismatic Rob Jetten, suggests a desire for more centrist and pro-European policies. Jetten’s campaign focused on issues like housing and security, resonating with voters seeking alternatives to Wilders’ divisive rhetoric. If D66 emerges victorious, Jetten is poised to become the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister.
The election’s close margin means overseas postal votes could decide the outcome, potentially delaying the final result. Regardless, coalition talks will be challenging, requiring 76 parliamentary seats for a majority. A “grand coalition” between D66, the liberal VVD, the centre-right CDA, and the left-wing Green/Labour group is a possible scenario.
