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The Netherlands’ centrist D66 party, led by Rob Jetten, has officially won the country’s snap general election — defeating Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in a tense, nail-biting finish.
With nearly all votes counted, Dutch news agency ANP confirmed that Wilders’ PVV can no longer catch up to D66’s lead. The centrist liberals are ahead by 15,155 votes, sealing their victory and positioning Jetten as the likely next prime minister.
The only votes still uncounted are from one municipality — Venray — where a fire in the town hall delayed counting, and mail-in ballots from Dutch citizens living abroad, which will be tallied by Monday.
From Underdog to Power Player
D66 — short for Democrats 66, named after its founding year, 1966 — saw a dramatic rise, jumping from just 9 seats to 26 in parliament. ANP also suggested the party could secure an extra residual seat, bringing the total to 27 MPs.
That makes D66 the clear winner and gives Jetten the first shot at forming a new governing coalition.
Who Is Rob Jetten?
Jetten, 38, served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy under former Prime Minister Mark Rutte until 2024. His campaign focused on what he called a “return to progressive politics” — green energy, affordable housing, and stronger healthcare.
He promised to build 10 new towns and streamline construction rules to deliver 100,000 new homes a year. On migration, Jetten struck a balance: he vowed to strengthen integration by requiring newcomers to learn Dutch while cracking down on illegal immigration by allowing asylum applications from outside the EU.
“Rotten Apples” Out, Integration In
Jetten says his future government will help refugees fleeing war or violence become part of Dutch society. But he also made it clear that “the rotten apples” who abuse the system will be deported.
Throughout the campaign, he clashed repeatedly with Geert Wilders, accusing the far-right leader of “hijacking Dutch identity” and “sowing division.” Wilders’ decision to pull his party out of the previous coalition in 2023 over migration issues helped trigger this snap election.
What Happens Next?
Jetten has called for a “broad political centre” coalition — potentially including the centre-left GL-PvdA, the centrist CDA, and the centre-right VVD.
However, the VVD has so far resisted joining forces with GL-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans, who resigned after a disappointing result on election night. Whether that stance will change remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: D66’s victory further isolates Wilders’ PVV, as most major parties — including D66 — have ruled out working with him.
Rob Jetten now stands on the brink of becoming the Netherlands’ next prime minister — leading a centrist government built on climate action, housing reform, and social unity.
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