In an unprecedented turn of events, the Dutch general election has resulted in a dead heat between Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom and the centrist D66, with both parties securing 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives. With 98% of the votes counted, the margin between the two leading parties was a mere 2,000 votes nationwide, as reported by the Dutch national news agency ANP. This razor-thin finish has created significant uncertainty, delaying the process of forming a new coalition government—a first in Dutch electoral history. Wilders’ Party for Freedom is projected to lose 11 seats compared to the previous election, while D66, led by Rob Jetten, gains 11. Wilders has asserted that his party should lead coalition talks if it emerges as the largest, emphasizing that no D66 scout should initiate discussions until the final results are clear. Meanwhile, D66 lawmaker Jan Paternotte described the race as “neck and neck,” noting the exceptional closeness of the election. Votes from nine municipalities, including overseas and postal ballots, remain uncounted, adding to the suspense. The election outcome marks a significant milestone for D66, which has never before secured more than 24 seats. The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of deep political polarization in the Netherlands, a nation once celebrated for its tolerance. Frans Timmermans, former European Commission vice president, announced his departure from Dutch politics following the center-left bloc’s disappointing performance.
Neck-and-neck finish in Dutch election as Wilders’ far-right party and D66 tie
