Geert Wilders — known for his anti-Islamism, Eurosceptic, and anti-mass migration views — has emerged as victor in the Dutch election, according to initial exit polls.
The Freedom Party, led by Wilders, is on track to win approximately 35 out of the 150 seats in parliament, more than doubling its current count from last year’s election. This unexpected result could introduce a significant shift in the political landscape of the Netherlands after four consecutive centrist governments under the leadership of outgoing premier Mark Rutte.
Frans Timmermans’ Labor-Green alliance followed Wilders, securing 26 seats, a substantial increase from its existing 17-seat representation. Meanwhile, Dilan Yeşilgöz, Mark Rutte’s successor and head of the center-right VVD, is predicted to secure 23 seats, a loss of 11 seats compared to last year’s election results, an exit poll by Ipsos for national broadcaster NOS indicates.
Given that Wilders’ party lacks a majority in parliament, his victory presents the question of potential coalition partners. Although he has expressed interest in joining a coalition, mainstream parties have consistently declined power-sharing partnerships with him over the last decade.
Undeterred, Wilders insists his strenuous stance on Islam will take a backseat to more pressing priorities after the election. However, his party’s proposals, such as mosque and Quran bans, remain firmly in their government program.
Despite Wilders’ victory, it remains uncertain if he will assume the role of prime minister, with Dilan Yeşilgöz and several other political figures already expressing their refusal to support a Wilders-led majority.