What's happened
The Netherlands' recent election resulted in a near-tie between D66 and Wilders' PVV, each winning 26 seats. No clear majority emerged, delaying coalition talks. D66's leader Rob Jetten is favored to become the next prime minister, while Wilders' party declined significantly from 2023. Coalition negotiations are expected to take months.
What's behind the headline?
The election outcome underscores the resilience of the Dutch political center, with D66 emerging as a potential governing force. The near-tie between D66 and Wilders' PVV highlights the persistent appeal of populism but also its limits, as mainstream parties refuse to govern with Wilders. The results suggest that the Netherlands will likely form a centrist coalition, possibly including Christian Democrats and VVD, but the process will be prolonged. Wilders' decline indicates a possible plateau for far-right populism in the Netherlands, though his influence remains significant. The political deadlock reflects broader European trends of polarization, yet the rejection of Wilders' hardline policies signals a moderation in Dutch politics. The next government will face the challenge of uniting diverse parties and addressing key issues like housing and immigration, with the potential to shape the country's policy direction for years to come.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the election resulted in a tie, with each party winning 26 seats, and highlights the potential for a centrist coalition led by Rob Jetten. The New York Times emphasizes D66's historic gain and the likelihood of Jetten becoming prime minister, noting Wilders' party lost 12 seats and remains a significant force. Both sources agree that coalition talks will be lengthy, but differ slightly in tone; The Independent focuses on the political shift back to the center, while The New York Times underscores the polarization and the broader European context. Reuters and Associated Press, also cited, confirm the tight race and the delays in forming a government, emphasizing the unprecedented tie and the importance of coalition-building in Dutch politics.
How we got here
The Dutch election was triggered after Wilders' PVV withdrew from the previous coalition over disagreements on migration policies. The election results reflect a shift back to the political center, with D66 making historic gains and Wilders' far-right party losing seats. The political landscape remains fragmented, requiring complex coalition negotiations. The election also marked a setback for populist parties across Europe, amid rising polarization over immigration, housing, and healthcare issues.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Rob Arnoldus Adrianus Jetten is a Dutch politician of Democrats 66. He served as the party's parliamentary leader in the House of Representatives.
-
Geert Wilders is a Dutch politician who has been Leader of the Party for Freedom since he founded it in 2006. Wilders is the parliamentary leader of his party in the House of Representatives.
-
Franciscus Cornelis Gerardus Maria Timmermans is a Dutch politician and diplomat serving as First Vice President of the European Commission since 2014, and has served in the von der Leyen Commission as Executive Vice President of the European Commission f