Dutch centrist leader Rob Jetten expressed strong confidence Thursday in forming a new government following his party's impressive performance in parliamentary elections that weakened Geert Wilders' far-right Freedom Party.
With nearly all votes counted, Jetten's Democrats 66 (D66) and Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) were projected to secure 26 seats each in the 150-seat lower house, a significant decline for the PVV from its previous 37 seats.
This outcome stems from the PVV's unsuccessful stint in the prior coalition, which collapsed after 11 months amid disputes over stringent anti-immigration policies described by partners as irresponsible.
Major mainstream parties have explicitly ruled out partnering with Wilders this time, isolating his faction and paving a clearer path for centrist collaboration.
D66 tripled its seat count through an energetic campaign emphasizing polished messaging, increased advertising, and outreach on key issues like immigration, housing, and traditional focuses on climate and education.
Jetten, 38, addressed reporters after the results, describing the vote as a very strong message from Dutch voters that they want positive political powers in the center to work together.
His party's pro-European stance and optimistic "yes we can" slogan resonated, drawing voters disillusioned with negativity and division.
The election highlighted limits to far-right appeal in the Netherlands, though the PVV's tie for first underscores its persistent influence in a fragmented landscape.
As the youngest candidate and the first openly gay individual in line for prime minister, Jetten's potential leadership could mark a historic shift toward progressivism.
Vote counting is expected to continue into next week, with party leaders convening Tuesday to outline next steps in the coalition-building process, which typically spans months in the divided parliament.
Forming a stable government will require Jetten to negotiate support from multiple parties in the highly fragmented assembly.
He has broadened D66's appeal by tackling divisive topics head-on, winning over some former right-wing supporters with pragmatic solutions to societal rifts, including the housing crisis and spatial pressures.
Observers note Jetten's genuine optimism and debate skills as assets for bridging divides, with one party official praising his positive story as a welcome antidote to years of criticism and hate.
A parliament spokesperson confirmed that discussions on government formation will await the final tally, potentially confirming D66's slim lead of 15,000 votes.
If successful, Jetten's tenure would emphasize cooperation across the political middle, addressing low trust in politics while leveraging the nation's low debt, strong economy, and low unemployment.
The results serve as a test for far-right momentum across Europe, suggesting peaks in populist strength without broader eclipse.
While nationalist parties lead polls in France, Germany, and Britain, the Dutch vote indicates mainstream forces can counter extremes through positive, inclusive platforms.
Simon Otjes, an assistant professor at Leiden University, observed that the far right will continue to dominate public discourse but a D66-led government could enhance the Netherlands' active role in Europe.
Jetten himself framed the victory as turning the page on far-right dominance, proving it possible to beat populist movements.
As coalition negotiations unfold, the outcome will shape not only Dutch policy but also signals for European political trends.