Dutch exit polls show centrist D66 winning 27 seats, beating Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV in snap election watched across Europe
THE HAGUE: Dutch voters appeared to reject far-right leader Geert Wilders in favour of centrist parties according to Wednesday’s exit poll results.
The centrist D66 party led by Rob Jetten was projected to win 27 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
Wilders and his far-right PVV Freedom Party trailed closely behind with 25 seats according to the Ipsos poll.
Exit polls in the Netherlands generally provide an accurate reflection of the parliamentary make-up.
The centre-right liberal VVD party was predicted to win 23 seats with the left-wing Green/Labour bloc expected to gain 20.
This result would position Jetten as the frontrunner to become prime minister pending coalition negotiations.
D66 supporters celebrated enthusiastically at their election party in Leiden waving Dutch and European flags.
“We’ve done it,” declared a jubilant Jetten to his cheering supporters.
“Millions of Dutch people have turned the page today,” he added.
Wilders’ PVV lost 12 seats compared to its stunning 2023 election victory if the exit poll results hold.
“The voter has spoken,” Wilders acknowledged on the social media platform X.
All other political parties had previously ruled out joining a coalition with Wilders’ anti-Islam party.
The fragmented Dutch political system requires coalition building since no party can govern alone.
“It will certainly take time for the Netherlands to reach stability and a new coalition,” Professor Sarah de Lange told AFP.
Millions of Dutch citizens cast their votes in diverse locations including zoos and windmills.
Voters faced a bewildering choice among 27 different political parties.
Immigration and housing crises dominated the election campaign discussions.
Jetten surged in the polls during the final campaign days with strong media performances.
“I want to bring the Netherlands back to the heart of Europe,” Jetten told AFP after voting.
Violence and disinformation marred the campaign period in the European Union’s fifth-largest economy.
Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof will continue governing until a new coalition forms.
Many voters expressed desire for less polarising politics after casting their ballots.
“I’m voting for a party who’s not that aggressive,” explained voter Bart Paalman. – AFP
