Dutch election deadlocked as Liberals and hardliners tie in tight race

The Netherlands faces political deadlock after the pro-EU Democrats 66 (D66) party and the right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders ended in a virtual tie in Wednesday’s snap general election.

With 98.4% of votes counted and turnout at 78.4%, both parties received 16.7% of the vote, according to official figures cited by Dutch broadcaster NOS. Projections suggest each will claim 26 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, setting the stage for difficult coalition talks.

Wilders, known for his staunch anti-immigration stance, triggered the election after withdrawing from the governing coalition in June when his partners rejected his proposal to ban asylum seekers and deploy the army for border control. Though early exit polls showed D66 narrowly ahead, Wilders conceded disappointment but pledged to “fight more than ever.”

D66 leader Rob Jetten celebrated what he called a victory for “positive forces,” saying he intends to build an inclusive government and seek cooperation with the center-right VVD, the green-left alliance GL-PVDA, and the Christian Democrats.