The Netherlands’ general elections concluded with the social-liberal Democrats 66 (D66), led by Rob Jetten, emerging as the leading party, according to the first exit polls.

The results showed D66 securing 27 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives—more than doubling the 9 seats it won in the 2023 elections. Jetten’s victory marks a strong comeback for the progressive liberal movement, which campaigned on social equality, climate action, and European cooperation.

According to data from the research company Ipsos, D66 was followed by Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), which lost 12 seats compared to the previous election, dropping to 25 seats. The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, came in third with 23 seats, suffering a notable decline after being a key member of the outgoing coalition government.

The Labour Party (PvdA) and Green Left (GroenLinks), running as an alliance under Frans Timmermans, secured 20 seats, down by five from their previous total.

Among former coalition partners, the New Social Contract (NSC) failed to retain any of its 20 seats from 2023, while the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB) saw its representation shrink from 7 to 4 seats. The Christian Democratic Union (CDA), however, increased its share to 19 seats, showing renewed voter confidence.

Far-right parties Forum for Democracy (FvD) and JA21 both made modest gains, securing 6 and 9 seats respectively. Meanwhile, the DENK Party, known for representing immigrant communities, maintained its 3 seats.

With no single party reaching an outright majority, the Netherlands now faces complex coalition negotiations, with at least three parties required to form a stable government.

Political observers say the results reflect a divided electorate but also a shift away from far-right dominance seen in previous polls.
International outlets including The Guardian, Euronews, and China Daily highlighted the D66 victory as a “remarkable turnaround” for the progressive bloc, noting Jetten’s emphasis on unity and liberal democratic values.

Speaking after the exit polls were announced, Rob Jetten told supporters in The Hague, “This result shows that hope, inclusion, and progress still resonate with the Dutch people. We will work with all democratic forces to build a stable, forward-looking government.”

As coalition talks begin, analysts suggest that Jetten may seek an alliance with VVD and PvdA-GroenLinks to ensure a centrist, pro-European majority. (ILKHA)