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Wednesday March 17, 2021
Surprise second
Prime Minister Rutte wins the elections in the Netherlands
Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s right-wing liberal VVD party wins the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. But the real winner is the left liberal D66. The big question now is whether Rutte will rule with partners from the left or the right in the future.
Unsurprisingly, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his right-wing liberal VVD party won the parliamentary elections. According to early forecasts published on the NOS television station, VVD will be by far the strongest force in the Second House of Parliament in The Hague with around 23 percent and 35 seats. Rutte could therefore become head of government of the Netherlands for the fourth time in ten years.
The big surprise, however, is the left-wing liberal D66, who, according to the forecasts of top candidate Sigrid Kaag, is in second place with 27 seats. Four years ago, D66, which previously also belonged to the coalition, still held 19 out of 150 seats. The party violates right-wing populist Geert Wilders from the second rank. It posted losses and became the third strongest force.
Far-right parties get more mandates
The Dutch had cast their vote under strict crown rules. Tents, theaters, churches, and even a cemetery have been turned into voting centers to allow for distance. 13 million citizens of the kingdom were called to vote for the 150 deputies in the Second Chamber. A preliminary final result is not expected until evening.
Due to the corona pandemic, members of risk groups were able to cast their votes on Monday and Tuesday. In addition, citizens over the age of 70 were able to vote by letter for the first time.
According to forecasts, 17 parties reached parliament; there is no 5 percent hurdle. A total of three far-right parties will be represented in the new Second Chamber, with a total of 27 terms. This is a clear increase compared to 2017. Left, Social Democratic, Socialist and Green parties recorded significant losses. The Christian Democrats also lost easily. It is not yet clear whether Rutte will continue the previous coalition with the Christian Democratic CDA, D66 and little ChristenUnie.
Rutte’s government resigned in January over a child benefit issue
Coalition negotiations in the Netherlands are traditionally long and complicated because there are always four or five parties involved. Rutte urged, however, that he had to go faster this time: “I hope Corona lets everyone know that we have to have something fast,” he said.
The last big issue about child benefits played a marginal role. For years, the tax authorities had mistakenly portrayed tens of thousands of parents as scammers. Each had to pay tens of thousands of euros. Due to the matter, Rutte’s government resigned in January and has only been in office since then.
