In a nail-biting conclusion to the Dutch national election held on November 4, 2025, the centrist D66 party clinched a narrow victory over Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), thanks largely to postal votes from Dutch citizens living abroad. The final tally, as reported by the national news agency ANP, revealed a razor-thin margin—D66 edged out PVV by approximately 28,000 votes, a difference so slight that both parties will enter parliament with 26 seats each. Despite this, the outcome positions D66 as the largest party and grants it the first opportunity to form a new government, setting the stage for what promises to be a complex and drawn-out coalition process.
The election’s dramatic finish captivated the nation and underscored the fragmented nature of Dutch politics. According to ANP, the outcome hinged on overseas ballots, with the final seat allocation remaining uncertain until late Monday evening. The D66’s slender lead was not enough to secure an additional seat in the 150-seat parliament, but it was sufficient to claim the mantle of victory.
Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of D66, spoke to reporters after the results became clear. Calling the outcome a “historic result,” Jetten said he felt “a great responsibility” to the country. If he succeeds in forming a government, Jetten would become the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay leader—a milestone that many observers see as emblematic of the country’s progressive traditions, even as right-wing forces remain a significant presence. “I am proud, but I also know how much work lies ahead,” Jetten remarked, according to ANP.
For Wilders and his PVV, the result marked a sharp reversal of fortune. Just two years ago, the party had enjoyed a surge of support, capturing the national imagination in what many described as a dramatic lurch to the far right for a country historically known for its tolerance. This year, however, PVV lost 11 seats compared to its previous showing. Analysts attribute this decline in part to Wilders’ decision to form—and then bring down—a notoriously fractious four-party coalition that failed to agree on a tough package of measures to curb migration, a central issue in Dutch politics. The infighting and lack of progress seem to have cost PVV dearly at the polls.
Wilders did not take the defeat quietly. On social media, he hinted at possible voting irregularities, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the outcome. However, these claims were promptly and widely rebuked by local municipalities, which are responsible for organizing the vote, as well as by the independent Electoral Council. The Council, which certifies election results, is set to formalize the outcome on November 7, 2025. Their response has been unequivocal, rejecting Wilders’ assertions and reaffirming the integrity of the electoral process.
With the dust settling on the electoral battlefield, attention now turns to coalition negotiations. In the Netherlands’ highly splintered political landscape, no single party can govern alone, and forming a majority coalition often requires weeks or even months of delicate talks. As the largest party, D66 has earned the first chance to assemble a government. Jetten and other party leaders were scheduled to begin coalition discussions on November 5, 2025, according to reports from ABC and ANP.
Coalition talks are expected to be arduous. D66 representatives are already in discussions with leaders from a spectrum of other parties, aiming to present viable coalition options to parliament by November 11. There are a few scenarios on the table. One possibility is a broad alliance that would include the pro-business VVD, the left-wing Greens-Labour, and the conservative CDA. Together, these parties would command 86 seats—a comfortable majority capable of tackling pressing national issues such as housing shortages and defense spending. However, aligning such a diverse group around a common policy platform is no small feat, and past attempts at similar alliances have often faltered on ideological differences.
Alternatively, a center-right coalition could be formed, potentially offering a more cohesive policy agenda. Yet, as reported by Devdiscourse, this option is not without its own challenges, particularly around the contentious issue of migration. The topic has been a flashpoint in Dutch politics, and finding common ground among potential center-right partners remains a daunting task.
One thing is clear: D66 has categorically ruled out forming a coalition with PVV, the far-right party led by Wilders. This decision narrows the field of possible alliances and further complicates the already intricate coalition arithmetic. The exclusion of PVV reflects deep-seated divisions within Dutch society over issues of migration, social policy, and the country’s international orientation.
The stakes of these negotiations are high. The Netherlands faces a host of urgent challenges, from a persistent housing crisis and strained public services to rising defense needs in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. The new government will also need to navigate the lingering aftershocks of the last coalition’s collapse, which left many voters disillusioned and wary of political infighting.
For Jetten and D66, the coming weeks will be a test of political acumen and coalition-building skill. The party’s ability to forge a stable government will shape not only the immediate future of Dutch politics but also the country’s broader trajectory in Europe and beyond. As Jetten himself acknowledged, the “great responsibility” now resting on his shoulders is matched only by the complexity of the task ahead.
Meanwhile, the PVV and its supporters must reckon with a disappointing result and the realization that the political winds have shifted once again. Wilders’ claims of irregularities, though dismissed by authorities, may continue to reverberate in the public discourse, fueling debates over electoral integrity and the health of Dutch democracy.
As coalition talks get underway, the eyes of the nation—and indeed much of Europe—are fixed on The Hague. Will D66 succeed in stitching together a coalition that reflects the country’s diverse political landscape? Or will the process drag on, leaving the Netherlands in a state of political limbo? Only time will tell, but for now, one thing is certain: Dutch politics remains as unpredictable and dynamic as ever.
The formal confirmation of the election results by the Electoral Council on November 7 will mark the next milestone in this unfolding story. Until then, the country waits, watches, and wonders what kind of government will emerge from the latest chapter in its democratic experiment.
