Dutch Election: what you need to know

The Netherlands will vote on Wednesday, 29 October, after the collapse of the previous coalition, with far-right leader Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) leading polls ahead of rivals focused on housing, healthcare and immigration.

The Dutch general election is set for Wednesday, 29 October, following the fall of the government on 3 June over stricter immigration policies. Polls indicate Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) remains ahead with about 34 of parliament’s 150 seats, though the Christian Democrats (CDA) and the centre-left GroenLinks–PvdA alliance have gained ground.

Voters rank housing, healthcare and immigration as their top concerns, according to a poll by broadcaster RTL. Nearly two-thirds cited a shortage of affordable homes as their main issue, while older voters prioritise healthcare and right-leaning supporters focus on migration.

Wilders has centred his campaign on halting asylum, cutting development aid, and redirecting funds to energy and healthcare subsidies. His manifesto opens with the slogan, “This is YOUR country! The Netherlands is full, overfull, bursting at the seams.”

Under Henri Bontenbal, the Christian Democrats (CDA) have rebounded after a record low in 2023, polling about 23 seats. The GroenLinks–PvdA bloc, led by former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans, is projected to win around 25 seats with promises of solidarity, green investment and fairer wealth distribution.

The liberal D66, under Rob Jetten, has overtaken the centre-right VVD with pledges on education and housing, polling about 16 seats. The VVD, now led by Dilan Yeşilgoz after Mark Rutte’s departure, is forecast to fall to 15 seats amid voter fatigue and criticism of its economic policies.

Smaller parties, including right-wing JA21, are expected to share around 8% of the vote. The centrist NSC, part of the outgoing government, is projected to lose all its seats.

Voting stations open at 7:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) and close at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT), with the first exit poll expected at closing time. Ballots are counted by hand, and the Electoral Council will certify official results once counting concludes.

Coalition talks are likely to be lengthy. With about 15 parties expected to enter parliament, forming a governing majority could require at least four partners. Although Wilders’ PVV leads, most major parties have ruled out joining him in government, raising the prospect of complex post-election negotiations before King Willem-Alexander appoints a new cabinet.

Copied