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Dutch election: Mark Rutte's VVD party takes lead as vote count starts – live Dutch election: Mark Rutte's VVD party takes lead as vote count starts – live
(35 minutes later)
4.32am GMT
04:32
Writing for RTL Z, Roderick Veelo cautions against assumptions that the populist far-right is over:
Responsibility – the willingness to steer the country through difficult times – seems to be the Achilles heel of the PVV [Geert Wilders’ Freedom party] … Wilders’ lack of responsibility broke into the campaign on the final weekend with the diplomatic row with Turkey. With perhaps the most energetic move of his career, Rutte put Wilders in checkmate.
Rutte showed courage and leadership in a very difficult matter of national importance, and for potential PVV voters became a better choice than Wilders … Rutte is still standing, but so too is the social discontent about uncontrolled immigration, failed integration and the power of Brussels.
This dissatisfaction is not going away. The broad coalition that will govern this country soon must show responsibility and courage on these subjects and go to work with real solutions. Only when that happens will the populist revolt die a quiet death.
Updated
at 4.34am GMT
3.50am GMT3.50am GMT
03:5003:50
The Dutch election result has had a buoying effect on the euro, Reuters reports:The Dutch election result has had a buoying effect on the euro, Reuters reports:
The euro stood tall on Thursday after Dutch election exit polls pointed to a comfortable win by the prime minister over his far-right rival.The euro stood tall on Thursday after Dutch election exit polls pointed to a comfortable win by the prime minister over his far-right rival.
The euro climbed to a five-week high of $1.0746 on Thursday, after surging 1.2 percent overnight.The euro climbed to a five-week high of $1.0746 on Thursday, after surging 1.2 percent overnight.
The common currency was boosted as exit polls showed the Netherlands’ centre-right prime minister Mark Rutte roundly saw off a challenge by anti-Islam, anti-EU Geert Wilders in an election on Wednesday, alleviating concerns towards Holland opting to leave the EU.The common currency was boosted as exit polls showed the Netherlands’ centre-right prime minister Mark Rutte roundly saw off a challenge by anti-Islam, anti-EU Geert Wilders in an election on Wednesday, alleviating concerns towards Holland opting to leave the EU.
“The euro’s rise was an initial reaction to the Dutch exit polls and the currency could rise further when the European ‘mother market’ comes into session later in the day,” said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief currency strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo.“The euro’s rise was an initial reaction to the Dutch exit polls and the currency could rise further when the European ‘mother market’ comes into session later in the day,” said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief currency strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo.
“How much further support the euro can garner would depend on how the Dutch vote could now impact the French presidential elections, for example by eroding support for [Marine] Le Pen. We could see the euro gain further if spreads between French and German government bonds tighten today.”“How much further support the euro can garner would depend on how the Dutch vote could now impact the French presidential elections, for example by eroding support for [Marine] Le Pen. We could see the euro gain further if spreads between French and German government bonds tighten today.”
3.21am GMT3.21am GMT
03:2103:21
Voting continues swiftly – we’re now into single-digit percentages still to tot up.Voting continues swiftly – we’re now into single-digit percentages still to tot up.
It’s a three-way race for second place, but VVD is unassailable in first.It’s a three-way race for second place, but VVD is unassailable in first.
At 93.5% of votes counted, Rutte's VVD to win 33 seats, Wilders' PVV 20 seats, V66 and CDA tie for 19 #DutchElection https://t.co/XeqCep9PE6At 93.5% of votes counted, Rutte's VVD to win 33 seats, Wilders' PVV 20 seats, V66 and CDA tie for 19 #DutchElection https://t.co/XeqCep9PE6
2.50am GMT2.50am GMT
02:5002:50
Jon HenleyJon Henley
The big winner – and now the largest party of the Dutch left for the first time – was GreenLeft, headed by 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, hailed by his enthusiastic supporters as the “Jessiah”.The big winner – and now the largest party of the Dutch left for the first time – was GreenLeft, headed by 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, hailed by his enthusiastic supporters as the “Jessiah”.
The party – formed 25 years ago by a merger of communists, pacifists, evangelicals and self-styled radicals – looks set to quadruple its MPs from four to 16 after a storming campaign by Klaver.The party – formed 25 years ago by a merger of communists, pacifists, evangelicals and self-styled radicals – looks set to quadruple its MPs from four to 16 after a storming campaign by Klaver.
“This is a fantastic result for us, a historic victory,” said the party chairwoman, Marjolein Meijer.“This is a fantastic result for us, a historic victory,” said the party chairwoman, Marjolein Meijer.
The result showed there was “very fertile ground in the Netherlands for change and a positive and hopeful story”, she said. “For us this is just the beginning.”The result showed there was “very fertile ground in the Netherlands for change and a positive and hopeful story”, she said. “For us this is just the beginning.”
The Netherlands’ youngest ever party leader, Klaver built a strong following on social media through small Meetup events after taking over GreenLeft’s leadership in May 2015. His rallies were among the campaign’s largest, including an Amsterdam meeting that drew more than 5,000 people – plus 5,000 more following live on Facebook.The Netherlands’ youngest ever party leader, Klaver built a strong following on social media through small Meetup events after taking over GreenLeft’s leadership in May 2015. His rallies were among the campaign’s largest, including an Amsterdam meeting that drew more than 5,000 people – plus 5,000 more following live on Facebook.
His TV debates were also widely regarded as triumphs. In one debate watched by 1.6 million viewers, Klaver told his far-right, anti-Islam rival Geert Wilders that it was rightwing populism, not Muslim immigration, that was undermining Dutch culture and traditions.His TV debates were also widely regarded as triumphs. In one debate watched by 1.6 million viewers, Klaver told his far-right, anti-Islam rival Geert Wilders that it was rightwing populism, not Muslim immigration, that was undermining Dutch culture and traditions.
“The values the Netherlands stands for – for many, many decades, centuries actually – its freedom, its tolerance, its empathy … [the populists] are destroying it,” he said during one campaign interview.“The values the Netherlands stands for – for many, many decades, centuries actually – its freedom, its tolerance, its empathy … [the populists] are destroying it,” he said during one campaign interview.
“It’s terrible when people are born in the Netherlands have the feeling they are not part of this society and it is not something to be proud of, but something to be ashamed of. And I want to change that.”“It’s terrible when people are born in the Netherlands have the feeling they are not part of this society and it is not something to be proud of, but something to be ashamed of. And I want to change that.”
2.18am GMT2.18am GMT
02:1802:18
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte says the election result, in which his VVD party comfortably beat the anti-Islam Freedom party of Geert Wilders, shows the people have said no to “the wrong side of populism”.Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte says the election result, in which his VVD party comfortably beat the anti-Islam Freedom party of Geert Wilders, shows the people have said no to “the wrong side of populism”.
2.03am GMT2.03am GMT
02:0302:03
Who could form a coalition?Who could form a coalition?
As the leader of the party with the greatest vote share, Mark Rutte will be given the first chance to form a government. He’s likely to need three other parties to join with his VVD party to get the 76-seat majority needed in the 150-seat parliament.As the leader of the party with the greatest vote share, Mark Rutte will be given the first chance to form a government. He’s likely to need three other parties to join with his VVD party to get the 76-seat majority needed in the 150-seat parliament.
Predictions based on votes counted so far and exit polls put VVD on an estimated 31 seats. With the Christian Democrats and Democrats 66 looking set for 19 seats each, they are obvious first ports of call for Rutte. But that could add up to just 69 seats, still short of a majority.Predictions based on votes counted so far and exit polls put VVD on an estimated 31 seats. With the Christian Democrats and Democrats 66 looking set for 19 seats each, they are obvious first ports of call for Rutte. But that could add up to just 69 seats, still short of a majority.
Geert Wilders, whose Freedom party (PVV) is also on course for 19 MPs, is not expected to be drawn into negotiations, despite announcing his willingness overnight. All major parties have said they would not work with the far-right party.Geert Wilders, whose Freedom party (PVV) is also on course for 19 MPs, is not expected to be drawn into negotiations, despite announcing his willingness overnight. All major parties have said they would not work with the far-right party.
Rutte’s coalition partner till now, the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), has had a disastrous election, predicted to slump from 38 seats to just nine.Rutte’s coalition partner till now, the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), has had a disastrous election, predicted to slump from 38 seats to just nine.
Into the gap could come GreenLeft and its young leader Jesse Klaver. With a projected 16 seats, the party could become kingmaker in the new parliament.Into the gap could come GreenLeft and its young leader Jesse Klaver. With a projected 16 seats, the party could become kingmaker in the new parliament.
But don’t expect a speedy settling: talks on forming a coalition could take months.But don’t expect a speedy settling: talks on forming a coalition could take months.
1.38am GMT1.38am GMT
01:3801:38
Results with 75% of vote countedResults with 75% of vote counted
It’s notable that the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), Rutte’s outgoing coalition partner, has nosedived off the bottom of the listing. It’s currently forecast to slump to a historic low of nine seats from 38 in the current parliament.It’s notable that the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), Rutte’s outgoing coalition partner, has nosedived off the bottom of the listing. It’s currently forecast to slump to a historic low of nine seats from 38 in the current parliament.
Netherlands (75% counted):VVD-ALDE: 21.3%PVV-ENF 13.1%CDA-EPP 12.5%D66-ALDE 12%SP-LEFT 9.3%GL-G/EFA 9%#DutchElections #TK17 pic.twitter.com/Oyo7fsNFlzNetherlands (75% counted):VVD-ALDE: 21.3%PVV-ENF 13.1%CDA-EPP 12.5%D66-ALDE 12%SP-LEFT 9.3%GL-G/EFA 9%#DutchElections #TK17 pic.twitter.com/Oyo7fsNFlz
1.14am GMT1.14am GMT
01:1401:14
Jon HenleyJon Henley
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, and his liberal VVD party appear to have comfortably beaten the anti-Islam Freedom party of Geert Wilders to become the largest in the new parliament.The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, and his liberal VVD party appear to have comfortably beaten the anti-Islam Freedom party of Geert Wilders to become the largest in the new parliament.
“Our message to the Netherlands – that we will hold our course, and keep this country safe, stable and prosperous, got through,” Rutte told a cheering crowd of supporters at the VVD’s election night party.“Our message to the Netherlands – that we will hold our course, and keep this country safe, stable and prosperous, got through,” Rutte told a cheering crowd of supporters at the VVD’s election night party.
The eyes of Europe had been on the vote, he added. “Many European colleagues have called me this evening: this was an evening when after Brexit and Trump, the Netherlands said ‘Stop’ to the wrong sort of populism.”The eyes of Europe had been on the vote, he added. “Many European colleagues have called me this evening: this was an evening when after Brexit and Trump, the Netherlands said ‘Stop’ to the wrong sort of populism.”
Wilders tweeted that since the VVD had lost seats and the PVV had gained, his party was “among the winners”, adding: “If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.”Wilders tweeted that since the VVD had lost seats and the PVV had gained, his party was “among the winners”, adding: “If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.”
The leftwing environmentalists of GreenLeft looked the big winners of the night, as the party was forecast to quadruple its number of MPs to 16. But the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), Rutte’s outgoing coalition partner, was forecast to slump to a historic low of nine seats from 38 in the current parliament.The leftwing environmentalists of GreenLeft looked the big winners of the night, as the party was forecast to quadruple its number of MPs to 16. But the social democratic Labour party (PvdA), Rutte’s outgoing coalition partner, was forecast to slump to a historic low of nine seats from 38 in the current parliament.
The projected result would leave Rutte with a choice of coalition options, although coalition-building – with four parties likely to be needed – could take months: the average in the Netherlands is three months and the record more than 200 days.The projected result would leave Rutte with a choice of coalition options, although coalition-building – with four parties likely to be needed – could take months: the average in the Netherlands is three months and the record more than 200 days.
1.01am GMT1.01am GMT
01:0101:01
Juncker: 'A vote against extremists'Juncker: 'A vote against extremists'
Margaritis Schinas, spokesperson for the EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, says Juncker has spoken to the Netherlands’ incumbent PM, Mark Rutte, congratulating him on his “clear victory”:Margaritis Schinas, spokesperson for the EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, says Juncker has spoken to the Netherlands’ incumbent PM, Mark Rutte, congratulating him on his “clear victory”:
A vote for Europe, a vote against extremists.A vote for Europe, a vote against extremists.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.01am GMTat 1.01am GMT
12.52am GMT12.52am GMT
00:5200:52
With 50% of votes counted, here’s how it stands, with VVD still holding a convincing lead:With 50% of votes counted, here’s how it stands, with VVD still holding a convincing lead:
Netherlands (50% counted):VVD-ALDE: 21.5%PVV-ENF 13%CDA-EPP 12.5%D66-ALDE 11.9%GL-G/EFA 9.3%SP-LEFT 9.3%#DutchElections #TK17 pic.twitter.com/zZQ2zYnSPQNetherlands (50% counted):VVD-ALDE: 21.5%PVV-ENF 13%CDA-EPP 12.5%D66-ALDE 11.9%GL-G/EFA 9.3%SP-LEFT 9.3%#DutchElections #TK17 pic.twitter.com/zZQ2zYnSPQ
12.42am GMT12.42am GMT
00:4200:42
French president François Hollande is congratulating Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for his election success and his “clear victory against extremism”, Associated Press reports:French president François Hollande is congratulating Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for his election success and his “clear victory against extremism”, Associated Press reports:
After Rutte’s party soundly beat the party of anti-immigrant populist Geert Wilders, Hollande said in a statement early Thursday:After Rutte’s party soundly beat the party of anti-immigrant populist Geert Wilders, Hollande said in a statement early Thursday:
The values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europe’s future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world.”The values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europe’s future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world.”
France is facing a presidential election starting next month in which far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who wants to leave the European Union and sharply curb immigration, is expected to make a strong showing.France is facing a presidential election starting next month in which far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who wants to leave the European Union and sharply curb immigration, is expected to make a strong showing.
Both Rutte and Wilders had painted Wednesday’s Dutch election as a battle between established politics and populist ideas.Both Rutte and Wilders had painted Wednesday’s Dutch election as a battle between established politics and populist ideas.
French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the result was good for a “stronger Europe”:French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the result was good for a “stronger Europe”:
Félicitations aux Néerlandais d'avoir enrayé la montée de l'extrême droite. Volonté de travailler à une Europe plus forte.Félicitations aux Néerlandais d'avoir enrayé la montée de l'extrême droite. Volonté de travailler à une Europe plus forte.
12.35am GMT12.35am GMT
00:3500:35
Geert Wilders has left the building:Geert Wilders has left the building:
Dat was Wilders #TK17 pic.twitter.com/el8HbLTI3EDat was Wilders #TK17 pic.twitter.com/el8HbLTI3E
12.20am GMT12.20am GMT
00:2000:20
Wilders: 'We're among the winners'Wilders: 'We're among the winners'
Geert Wilders – whose far-right PVV has not performed as well as he, or polls, expected – has said he would be willing to enter coalition talks. (All main parties have said they will not go into coalition with PVV, and it currently doesn’t look as if the first-placed VVD will need Wilders.)Geert Wilders – whose far-right PVV has not performed as well as he, or polls, expected – has said he would be willing to enter coalition talks. (All main parties have said they will not go into coalition with PVV, and it currently doesn’t look as if the first-placed VVD will need Wilders.)
Geert Wilders says he is ready to join a coalition. But if that does not happen, 'we will form a strong opposition over the next five years'Geert Wilders says he is ready to join a coalition. But if that does not happen, 'we will form a strong opposition over the next five years'
Wilders: 'I'd preferred to have been the winner of the elections, but the VVD have lost 10 seats and we're among the winners in second.'Wilders: 'I'd preferred to have been the winner of the elections, but the VVD have lost 10 seats and we're among the winners in second.'
Wilders calls Rutte's comments on 'the wrong sort of populism' 'very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis'.Wilders calls Rutte's comments on 'the wrong sort of populism' 'very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis'.
Wilders: 'If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.'Wilders: 'If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.'
12.13am GMT12.13am GMT
00:1300:13
With 28% of votes counted, here’s how the projection of seats won stands:With 28% of votes counted, here’s how the projection of seats won stands:
VVD 32 seatsVVD 32 seats
Christian Democrats 20Christian Democrats 20
PVV (Wilders’ Freedom party) 19PVV (Wilders’ Freedom party) 19
Democrats 66 18Democrats 66 18
GreenLeft 14GreenLeft 14
SP 14SP 14
PvdA (Labour) 10PvdA (Labour) 10