In a dramatic and closely watched election, the Netherlands has chosen a new path for its political future. The centrist D66 party, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, emerged as the narrow victor over Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), marking a historic moment in Dutch politics. The outcome, determined by a final tally on November 4, 2025, was so tight that it hinged on postal votes from Dutch citizens living abroad, according to the national news agency ANP and reporting by ABC and AP.
Both D66 and PVV secured 26 seats each in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, but D66 edged ahead by more than 28,000 votes. This slim margin, while not sufficient to grant D66 an additional seat, was enough to secure their status as the leading party. The result, confirmed by preliminary counts and set to be formalized by the Electoral Council on November 7, 2025, signals a turning point for a nation long known for its liberal traditions and political pluralism.
Rob Jetten, set to become the youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands, described the outcome as a “historic result.” Speaking to reporters, he expressed both pride and a sense of responsibility, stating, “We have shown to the Netherlands, but also to the world, that it is possible to beat extremist and far-right movements. At D66, we believe things can be different. That tomorrow can be better than today.” As reported by the ALDE Party and AP, Jetten’s victory stands as the party’s best ever, with D66 securing 17% of the vote and running on a platform of progressive patriotism and five landmark proposals.
The election’s razor-thin margin set the stage for a tense aftermath. Geert Wilders, whose PVV suffered an 11-seat loss compared to its previous showing two years ago, initially raised concerns about possible voting irregularities. He hinted at potential tampering, remarking, “The likelihood of gaining roughly 30,000 additional votes is low.” However, after widespread rebukes from local municipalities and the independent Electoral Council, Wilders backtracked. Addressing the media, he dismissed accusations that he was undermining democracy as “nonsense” and graciously congratulated Jetten on his victory. “My main goal was to have it investigated,” Wilders clarified, echoing his calls for transparency but offering no credible evidence to support claims of fraud.
Traditionally, in The Hague, the largest party takes the initiative in forming a government and almost always provides the prime minister. With D66 in the lead, attention quickly turned to the complex process of coalition building—a hallmark of Dutch politics, especially in recent years as the political landscape has grown increasingly fragmented. Coalition talks began immediately following the election, with D66 proposing Wouter Koolmees, a former social affairs minister and current CEO of the Dutch rail company NS, as “scout” to guide the formation process. Koolmees, described by Jetten as someone who “is able to connect the left and the right,” was unanimously approved by all parties to begin discussions with the leaders of each of the 15 parties in parliament starting November 6, 2025.
Koolmees brings a wealth of experience to the task. Not only did he serve as scout and informateur during the formation of the previous Rutte IV Cabinet—a coalition of VVD, D66, CDA, and ChristenUnie—but he also played a key role as formateur in Rotterdam, where he successfully included Leefbaar and Denk in the city council coalition. Tweede Kamer chairman Martin Bosma emphasized the value of having a scout who “keeps some distance from day-to-day politics,” underscoring Koolmees’ reputation for impartiality and negotiation skills. During Koolmees’ temporary leave from NS, Eelco van Aasch will serve as acting CEO, ensuring continuity in the country’s vital rail operations.
The coalition formation process is expected to be lengthy, possibly extending into early 2026. The most probable outcome, according to political analysts and reporting by the ALDE Party, is a broad centrist coalition including D66, VVD (which placed third with 22 seats), the Green-Labour alliance (GL/PvdA), and CDA. Such a coalition would command a comfortable majority and reflect a clear mandate for stability, responsibility, and progressive reform. VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz framed the result as a call for steady leadership, while the Green-Labour alliance, led by former European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans, saw a notable decline in support.
For many observers, the election marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between centrist, liberal, and far-right forces in Europe. Two years ago, the PVV’s surge to victory shocked the nation and the continent, signaling a rightward shift in a country once celebrated for its tolerance and openness. Yet, the subsequent collapse of Wilders’ four-party coalition—plagued by infighting and an inability to agree on tough measures to address migration—diminished his appeal and led to a significant loss of seats. According to AP, the Dutch electorate appears to have rejected the divisive rhetoric and policies associated with Wilders, opting instead for a vision of optimism and inclusive progress.
Rob Jetten’s potential ascension to the premiership is historic not only for his age and identity but also for what it represents in broader European politics. If coalition negotiations succeed, the Netherlands will have its first openly gay prime minister, a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in leadership roles. Jetten’s campaign, rooted in progressive patriotism, resonated with voters seeking change but wary of polarization and extremism. “At D66, we believe things can be different,” Jetten asserted, reinforcing his party’s commitment to bridging divides and fostering a more hopeful future.
As the Electoral Council prepares to formalize the results and coalition talks intensify, the eyes of Europe remain fixed on The Hague. The outcome will not only determine the direction of Dutch policy on issues such as migration, climate, and social welfare but also send a powerful message about the resilience of liberal democracy in the face of rising populism. While the road to a stable government may be long and fraught with negotiation, the Dutch electorate has spoken—loudly and clearly—about the kind of leadership and values it wants to see guiding the nation into tomorrow.
With coalition discussions set to conclude by November 11, and a parliamentary debate scheduled for November 13, the coming weeks promise to be decisive for the Netherlands. The formation of a new government, led by a young and barrier-breaking prime minister, could usher in a new era of centrist, liberal governance—one that both honors the country’s traditions and embraces the promise of change.
