Dutch centrist leader Rob Jetten expressed his strong confidence in forming a government following a significant performance by his party, D66, in the recent parliamentary elections. The elections, held on Wednesday, witnessed Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) losing ground, a development closely watched as a measure of the far right’s influence in Europe.
As the vote count neared completion on Thursday, both D66 and PVV were projected to secure 26 seats each in the 150-seat lower house of parliament. This result marked a substantial decline for Wilders’ PVV, which had lost over a quarter of its seats in just two years, attributed to its lackluster performance in government and increasing competition from other right-wing factions.
In contrast, D66 saw its seat count triple, positioning Jetten as a potential leader who might navigate the complex coalition-building process that Dutch politics is known for. Major mainstream parties have already ruled out forming a government with Wilders, given his role in the collapse of the previous coalition led by his party. This political isolation leaves Jetten with a clearer path to a majority, though he will still need to garner support from multiple parties.
Jetten’s Confidence and Coalition Prospects
At 38, Rob Jetten stands poised to become the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister. His campaign, characterized by polished messaging and an increased advertising budget, expanded beyond D66’s traditional focus on climate change and education to tackle contentious issues like immigration and the housing crisis. This strategic shift helped sway voters who might have otherwise leaned towards right-wing parties.
Lotte van Slooten, a 25-year-old voter, expressed her excitement at the prospect of Jetten’s leadership, stating, “I’m very excited that we’re going to have the first homosexual prime minister in the Netherlands and also one that is combining all the positive forces.”
However, forming a government in the Netherlands’ fragmented parliament is expected to be a complex and lengthy process. “It will be very difficult,” noted Kajsa Ollongren, a D66 member and former defense minister, reflecting on the challenges ahead.
With D66 and PVV tied, the next steps remain uncertain. Party leaders are anticipated to meet on Friday to decide whether to appoint a “scout” to initiate coalition talks or wait for the final election results, expected in the coming days.
Implications for the Far Right in Europe
This election was perceived as a litmus test for the far right’s potential to expand its influence across Europe. The results suggest a limit to its appeal, as Jetten noted at his party’s celebration, “We’ve shown not only to the Netherlands, but also to the world that it is possible to beat populist and extreme-right movements.”
Despite the PVV’s tie for the top spot, the election underscored the far right’s persistent presence in Europe’s increasingly fragmented political landscape. This comes at a time when many mainstream parties have adopted stricter stances on immigration.
Geert Wilders, undeterred by the current tie, stated his intention to lead the government formation if PVV ultimately secures more votes. “As long as it’s not 100 per cent clear, D66 can’t take the lead. We will do everything we can to prevent that,” he asserted in a post on X.
Looking Ahead
While the counting of ballots continues, with 98.8 percent of votes already accounted for, significant changes in the standings are not anticipated. The tie between D66 and PVV sets the stage for a potentially protracted period of negotiations and coalition-building.
The outcome of these elections will not only shape the future of Dutch politics but also signal broader trends within Europe regarding the viability and limits of far-right movements. As the political landscape evolves, the Netherlands stands at a crossroads, with its next government poised to address pressing issues from immigration to climate change.
