The centrist D66 party has emerged victorious in the Dutch general election after a closely contested race with Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV), according to results compiled by the ANP news agency on Friday.
With nearly all ballots counted, D66’s lead is now insurmountable, setting its 38-year-old leader, Rob Jetten, on track to become the Netherlands’ youngest—and first openly gay—prime minister.
The pro-European Union and liberal party secured roughly 18 percent of the vote and is now expected to lead coalition talks to form a new government, a process that could take several months. To command a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives, D66 will need the support of at least three other parties.
Jetten’s campaign, which focused on optimism and modernization, helped D66 triple its seat count. The party’s strong messaging and increased media presence allowed it to expand beyond its traditional social-liberal themes such as education and climate change.
Addressing contentious issues like immigration and the housing crisis also proved pivotal, attracting voters who had previously supported right-wing movements.
Meanwhile, Wilders’ PVV, which stunned observers with a surprise victory in the 2023 election, saw its support base significantly shrink. Despite a tight race that saw both parties trading leads during the vote count, D66 ultimately pulled ahead.
Wilders, whose party has been shunned by mainstream political groups, had earlier vowed to seek the first opportunity to form a government if PVV secured the most votes.
The final confirmation of results is expected on Monday, once overseas mail ballots are tallied.
