Political Upstart Stuns Far-Right, Set to Become Netherlands’ Youngest Ever Premier
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – In a dramatic twist that has reshaped the Netherlands’ political landscape, the centrist D66 party has been confirmed the winner of the country’s general election, setting the stage for its leader, 38-year-old Rob Jetten, to become the youngest prime minister in Dutch history.
The official count from news agency ANP, released Friday, concludes a tense two-day wait after polls closed on Wednesday. With nearly all votes tallied, the pro-European Union, liberal D66 party has secured a narrow but unassailable lead over Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV).
The result marks a stunning reversal from the last election in 2023, which saw Wilders secure a shock victory that sent ripples across the continent. This time, however, D66’s optimistic campaign and a significant surge in advertising spending tripled its seat count, while the PVV lost a substantial portion of its previous support.
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A Nail-Biting Finish and a New Direction
The election turned into a cliffhanger, with preliminary results pointing to a slim D66 victory. For a brief period as the counts trickled in, the PVV even pulled ahead, causing anxiety among centrist and pro-EU factions. The confirmation from ANP, which collects results from all Dutch municipalities, now puts that uncertainty to rest.
With approximately 18% of the vote, D66 is now expected to take the lead in the complex and often protracted process of forming a coalition government. This process in the Netherlands is famously meticulous and can take months of negotiation.
To achieve a simple majority in the 150-seat Lower House of Parliament, D66 will need to build a coalition with at least three other parties. This will require Jetten to forge consensus among potential partners with differing priorities.
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Jetten’s Ascent and the Wilders Factor
For Rob Jetten, a former Minister for Climate and Energy, the victory is a personal and political triumph. His rise signals a potential shift in the Netherlands toward a renewed focus on European cooperation and climate policy, core tenets of the D66 platform.
The outcome is a clear setback for Geert Wilders, who had stated he would demand the first opportunity to form a government if his party finished first. While his PVV remains a powerful force in Dutch politics, all other mainstream parties had already publicly ruled out entering a coalition with him, citing his anti-Islam and eurosceptic policies.
The confirmation of D66’s win effectively sidelines him from the initial formation talks, though his party’s significant presence in parliament means its influence will still be felt.
The Long Road Ahead to a New Government
While the result is now clear, one final step remains. The official confirmation of the result will come on Monday, after mail-in ballots from Dutch citizens living abroad are counted. These are not expected to change the overall outcome.
Party leaders are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to begin discussions on the next steps. All eyes will be on Jetten as he navigates the challenging task of building a stable governing coalition in a fractured political environment.
The coming weeks will be a critical test of his leadership, as he works to bridge divides and assemble a government capable of addressing the nation’s priorities. For now, the Netherlands has chosen a path of centrism and youth, turning away from the populist wave that had defined its politics just a year before.
From Reuters..
Author: Yasir Khan
Date: 31 Oct, 2025
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