Dutch elections: Center-left wins historic victory, far-right suffers major defeat.
The 66 Democrats secured only nine seats in the 2023 election but are now projected to achieve a significant majority in the new Dutch parliament. If the results are officially confirmed, the 66 Democrats will become the largest party in the Dutch parliament for the first time in history.
In second place is the right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, which won 25 seats, a decrease of 12 seats from the previous election. The liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is in third place with 23 seats. The left-wing Green-Labor coalition (GroenLinks–PvdA) follows in fourth place with 20 seats, and the Christian Democratic Party (CDA) is in fifth with 19 seats.
According to IRNA, the Dutch ruling coalition was formed on June 3 by Geert Wilders and was short-lived, leading to early elections only eleven months later. Wilders, a populist known for his anti-Islam and anti-EU stance, remained the most popular candidate in polling. He left the coalition in protest over the government’s delay in implementing a 10-point immigration plan, which triggered the early elections due to the government’s collapse.
Dilan Yesilgoz, the leader of the liberal VVD, criticized Wilders’ actions, calling them “completely irresponsible.” He stated, “How can you do this in the Netherlands?” Like other major Dutch parties, he pledged never to form a coalition with Geert Wilders again.
Currently, the Green-Left alliance, led by Frans Timmermans, a former vice-president of the European Commission, is second in the polls. The 64-year-old Timmermans is viewed as a reliable figure known for his commitment to climate change and ambition; however, some critics argue he lacks the charisma needed to win.
Henri Bontenbal, leader of the center-right CDA party, is also a notable contender. At 42, he is seen as a rising star in Dutch politics, projecting the image of an ordinary citizen looking to bring about change and stability. His message, “It is time to get back to normal in politics,” has resonated with voters who are tired of ongoing political crises.
According to the Dutch media, it is widely believed that regardless of the election outcome, Wilders will not become prime minister. Wilders will not become prime minister.