D66 wins Dutch election after turbulent year

The Netherlands [ENA] The Netherlands went to the polls last Wednesday in what turned out to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent years. Voter turnout reached 78.4 percent, slightly higher than in 2023 (77.9 percent). Many Dutch citizens were anxious to see whether the far right PVV would once again dominate the political stage or if the left leaning parties could regain ground.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, televised debates were intense and often emotional. Polls consistently showed PVV in the lead, with GL PvdA trailing closely behind. The previous government, led by Mark Rutte, had collapsed in 2023 due to the asylum crisis. That year, the far right PVV achieved a historic result, forming a coalition with VVD, NSC and BBB. Geert Wilders was initially expected to become prime minister, but after lengthy negotiations, Dick Schoof took office instead.

The Schoof cabinet, however, fell again on June 3, 2025. This year’s election became a test of public trust in both the coalition and the broader political establishment. The full results show a dramatic shift. NSC, which held 20 seats in 2023, lost all representation in parliament, a clear sign of voter disappointment. According to exit polls, D66 and PVV were initially neck and neck, but as the official count progressed, D66 emerged as the clear winner, according to the ANP news agency.

A final result is still pending, but it is now certain that D66 will take the lead in forming a new coalition. D66 leader Rob Jetten has already made one thing clear: his party will not cooperate with PVV or FvD. The Netherlands hopes that after a period of instability, a new cabinet can be formed before Christmas, bringing some much needed calm to Dutch politics. Will it work out? We will see.