Political Shift in the Netherlands: Far-Right Loses Support, Centrist Forces Gain Ground
In a landmark election, the Netherlands experienced a significant political transformation that is likely to shape the country’s future trajectory.
The centrist party D66 (‘Democrats 66’) achieved a substantial victory, securing nearly a third of the parliamentary seats, positioning it as the leading force in forming the new government.
Meanwhile, the far-right leader Gert Wilders and his party, the Party for Freedom (PVV), suffered notable declines in support.
As of Thursday morning, after counting 90% of votes, the majority favored D66 and Wilders’ PVV — each obtaining 26 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
This represented a serious setback for Wilders, whose success in 2023 was record-breaking, while his political bloc’s influence has waned.
Entry into the new parliament appears unlikely for Wilders, greatly diminishing his political influence.
Conversely, the election results open the door for the youngest-ever potential Prime Minister, 38-year-old D66 leader Rob Jetten.
His popularity soared during the campaign, in which he pledged to resolve housing shortages, invest in education, and address immigration issues.
However, the formation of a stable coalition remains a complex challenge, requiring at least 76 seats across multiple parties, including D66, Christian Democrats, VVD, and Green-Left.
Negotiations are expected to last several months, given the Netherlands’ reputation for prolonged coalition talks.
The issue of migration, previously causing government collapses, is again at the forefront of political debate: the new government plans to review immigration policies to avoid repeating past failures.
Regarding international support, Jetten emphasizes that Europe must unite against Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and support Ukraine “regardless of circumstances,” acknowledging that victory over Putin is paramount.
The election outcome serves as a litmus test for far-right forces: their gains did not materialize, suggesting that the appeal of radical movements may have limits, especially as European support for such groups declines.