Netherlands : Far right and centrists neck and neck in tight parliamentary race

Thursday 30 October 2025 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

Netherlands : Far right and centrists neck and neck in tight parliamentary race

The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) of Geert Wilders and the centrist pro-European Democrats 66 (D66) led by Rob Jetten are neck and neck in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to a projection by the ANP news agency released Thursday. Both parties would secure 26 seats each out of the 150 in the House of Representatives, based on nearly 95% of votes counted.

Earlier exit polls had given the lead to D66, suggesting a setback for the far-right leader. Wilders’ PVV would lose 11 seats compared with its record victory in 2023. Despite his influence, other major parties have ruled out forming a government with Wilders, citing concerns over his reliability and controversial positions.

This leaves Rob Jetten, 38, in a strong position to become the Netherlands’ next prime minister — the youngest and first openly gay head of government in the country’s history. Analysts foresee lengthy negotiations to form a coalition in a highly fragmented political landscape.