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Dutch election: Rutte's VVD party leads as Geert Wilders fails to break through – live Dutch election: Rutte's VVD party leads as Geert Wilders fails to break through – live
(35 minutes later)
8.33am GMT
08:33
Britain’s FTSE 100 has hit a new record high at the start of trading and European shares hit their highest level in 15 months on the back of the Dutch election results.
FTSE 100 hits record high after US interest rate hike and Dutch election --> https://t.co/7mgyUm3bNm pic.twitter.com/7v15q1UvZe
8.30am GMT
08:30
The result may not be a surprise in Holland, but there has been lots of soul searching from the international media after its over-emphasis on the far right leader Geert Wilders and its underplaying of the collapse of the establishment left party the PvdA.
Wilders got all the international media attention and few of the Dutch votes https://t.co/ZtgGsGTWnR via @FT
Maybe we're all missing the real story in European politics which is not rise of populist right but fall of SocDem left#DutchElection
Trudeau, Rutte, Macron..who can stop this global surge of the populists? Er, sorry, the rise of the liberals. Oh, it's so confusing
The demise of the Dutch Labour Party, 1960-2017 #Dutchelection #TK17 pic.twitter.com/mURJs3tRMF
Biggest story of the Dutch elections is the Pasokification of the Labour Party. The party of Jeroen Dijsselbleom has just been decimated.
Dutch Labour Party wipe-out very like LibDem decimation here. Voters turn on centre left when principles seem to be sold. Lesson for UK lab?
8.09am GMT
08:09
The secretary general of France’s far-right Front National said he was encouraged by the gains for Geert Wilders.
“It’s a real success,” secretary general Nicolas Bay told France Inter radio, referring to how Wilders’ party had won more seats, despite losing the overall result to Dutch centre-right prime minister Mark Rutte.
8.01am GMT8.01am GMT
08:0108:01
The Dutch have ditched the far right. Great newsThe Dutch have ditched the far right. Great news
There is widespread relief among British MPs at the result. Senior figures from all the main parties have welcomed the failure of Geert Wilders to top the poll.There is widespread relief among British MPs at the result. Senior figures from all the main parties have welcomed the failure of Geert Wilders to top the poll.
Well done to our liberal allies @VVD and @D66 in Dutch elections. Looks like a victory for liberalism over politics of fear and divisionWell done to our liberal allies @VVD and @D66 in Dutch elections. Looks like a victory for liberalism over politics of fear and division
Sincere gratitude to all our lovely sensible Dutch friends who did the right thing for all of us #EuropeanCitizensSincere gratitude to all our lovely sensible Dutch friends who did the right thing for all of us #EuropeanCitizens
Glad to see that Geert Wilders far right, islamaphobic, PVV party was defeated, congratulations to PM @markrutte @VVD #DutchvoteGlad to see that Geert Wilders far right, islamaphobic, PVV party was defeated, congratulations to PM @markrutte @VVD #Dutchvote
7.54am GMT7.54am GMT
07:5407:54
Graeme WeardenGraeme Wearden
European government bonds are strengthening this morning, following Geert Wilder’s failure to claim first place in the Dutch election.European government bonds are strengthening this morning, following Geert Wilder’s failure to claim first place in the Dutch election.
French debt is in demand, as investors take it as a sign that Marine Le Pen might be thwarted in her bid to win the presidency.French debt is in demand, as investors take it as a sign that Marine Le Pen might be thwarted in her bid to win the presidency.
Business Live has more on the market reaction:Business Live has more on the market reaction:
7.48am GMT7.48am GMT
07:4807:48
Spain’s Conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy has joined the queue of European leaders congratulating Rutte and the Dutch people for their “responsibility”.Spain’s Conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy has joined the queue of European leaders congratulating Rutte and the Dutch people for their “responsibility”.
He also praised the centre right CDA which looks set to come joint third with 19 seats.He also praised the centre right CDA which looks set to come joint third with 19 seats.
Enhorabuena a @markrutte por su victoria, a los neerlandeses por su responsabilidad y a la @cdavandaag @EPP por su gran trabajo. MR pic.twitter.com/6QlE1x1688Enhorabuena a @markrutte por su victoria, a los neerlandeses por su responsabilidad y a la @cdavandaag @EPP por su gran trabajo. MR pic.twitter.com/6QlE1x1688
7.35am GMT7.35am GMT
07:3507:35
The prime minister of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen has congratulated Rutte and hailed the Dutch election result as a victory for serious politics.The prime minister of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen has congratulated Rutte and hailed the Dutch election result as a victory for serious politics.
Lige ønsket min gode liberale ven @markrutte tillykke med valgresultatet i Holland. Dejligt, at seriøsitet belønnes!Lige ønsket min gode liberale ven @markrutte tillykke med valgresultatet i Holland. Dejligt, at seriøsitet belønnes!
He is the latest European leader to welcome the result.He is the latest European leader to welcome the result.
Earlier French president, François Hollande, said it was a “clear victory against extremism”.Earlier French president, François Hollande, said it was a “clear victory against extremism”.
Je félicite chaleureusement @markrutte pour sa nette victoire contre l'extrémisme.Je félicite chaleureusement @markrutte pour sa nette victoire contre l'extrémisme.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.39am GMTat 7.39am GMT
7.32am GMT7.32am GMT
07:3207:32
Prime minister Mark Rutte has praised the Dutch for not allowing the Netherlands to fall to the “wrong side of populism”.Prime minister Mark Rutte has praised the Dutch for not allowing the Netherlands to fall to the “wrong side of populism”.
Speaking to Bloomberg after a victory party he said:Speaking to Bloomberg after a victory party he said:
After Brexit, after the US elections, the [Dutch] people have said no to another country where the domino stone of the wrong side of populism would topple over.After Brexit, after the US elections, the [Dutch] people have said no to another country where the domino stone of the wrong side of populism would topple over.
"What a celebration it was for democracy today," Mark Rutte says after Dutch election win https://t.co/EQWuLady2M pic.twitter.com/OMaGXkxIdy"What a celebration it was for democracy today," Mark Rutte says after Dutch election win https://t.co/EQWuLady2M pic.twitter.com/OMaGXkxIdy
7.24am GMT7.24am GMT
07:2407:24
Wilders 'proud' of his votersWilders 'proud' of his voters
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Geert Wilders is putting a brave face on coming second. He tweeted that he is proud of the more than one million people who voted for his Party of Freedom (PVV).Geert Wilders is putting a brave face on coming second. He tweeted that he is proud of the more than one million people who voted for his Party of Freedom (PVV).
Supertrots op al onze kiezers, meer dan 1 miljoen Nederlanders! Bedankt!12 jaar na oprichting is PVV de 2e partij van NL! Geweldig!! pic.twitter.com/PmlHnhyfsgSupertrots op al onze kiezers, meer dan 1 miljoen Nederlanders! Bedankt!12 jaar na oprichting is PVV de 2e partij van NL! Geweldig!! pic.twitter.com/PmlHnhyfsg
Here’s a rough translation via Bing:Here’s a rough translation via Bing:
Very proud of all our voters, more than 1 million Dutch citizens! Thanks! 12 years after establishment, PVV the second party of all! Great!!Very proud of all our voters, more than 1 million Dutch citizens! Thanks! 12 years after establishment, PVV the second party of all! Great!!
This is Matthew Weaver taking over from Claire Phipps.This is Matthew Weaver taking over from Claire Phipps.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.25am GMTat 7.25am GMT
6.38am GMT6.38am GMT
06:3806:38
SummarySummary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
The resultsThe results
VVD, the centre-right party led by incumbent prime minister Mark Rutte, has emerged as the biggest party, knocking back the predicted surge of Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV.VVD, the centre-right party led by incumbent prime minister Mark Rutte, has emerged as the biggest party, knocking back the predicted surge of Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV.
Rutte’s party looks likely to take 33 seats (a loss of eight MPs) and will – as expected and is typical for the 150-seat Dutch parliament – need to enter into coalition talks to form a new government.Rutte’s party looks likely to take 33 seats (a loss of eight MPs) and will – as expected and is typical for the 150-seat Dutch parliament – need to enter into coalition talks to form a new government.
Wilders, despite a projected second-place finish overall with around 20 seats, is not likely to be part of those negotiations, with all major parties unwilling to work with his populist, anti-Islam MPs.Wilders, despite a projected second-place finish overall with around 20 seats, is not likely to be part of those negotiations, with all major parties unwilling to work with his populist, anti-Islam MPs.
The collapse of Rutte’s former coalition partners, the social democratic PvdA, slumping from 38 seats to a projected nine, means the PM will need to seek new agreements. The Christian Democrats (centre to centre-right) and Democrats 66 (economic: centre-right, social: centre-left), each with an expected 19 MPs, are the obvious candidates.The collapse of Rutte’s former coalition partners, the social democratic PvdA, slumping from 38 seats to a projected nine, means the PM will need to seek new agreements. The Christian Democrats (centre to centre-right) and Democrats 66 (economic: centre-right, social: centre-left), each with an expected 19 MPs, are the obvious candidates.
But the unexpected victor of the night was GreenLeft, led by 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, which boosted its four seats to a projected 14. It could now play kingmaker in coalition talks.But the unexpected victor of the night was GreenLeft, led by 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, which boosted its four seats to a projected 14. It could now play kingmaker in coalition talks.
Talks are likely to last for some time – possibly weeks or months. The official tally of results will be published on 21 March.Talks are likely to last for some time – possibly weeks or months. The official tally of results will be published on 21 March.
The reactionThe reaction
Rutte hailed the win, saying it was the moment in whichRutte hailed the win, saying it was the moment in which
The Netherlands said ‘Stop’ to the wrong sort of populism.The Netherlands said ‘Stop’ to the wrong sort of populism.
Wilders called Rutte’s remarksWilders called Rutte’s remarks
very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis … If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis … If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.
The result was welcomed in Europe with German chancellor Angela Merkel telling Rutte:The result was welcomed in Europe with German chancellor Angela Merkel telling Rutte:
I look forward to working with you as friends, neighbours and Europeans.I look forward to working with you as friends, neighbours and Europeans.
French president François Hollande congratulated Rutte:French president François Hollande congratulated Rutte:
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.
And this was GreenLeft’s response to its electoral surge:And this was GreenLeft’s response to its electoral surge:
#tk2017 pic.twitter.com/Vo6oVKjBI1#tk2017 pic.twitter.com/Vo6oVKjBI1
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.48am GMTat 6.48am GMT
6.33am GMT
06:33
The collapse of the Dutch Labour party PvdA – on course to fall from 38 seats to just nine – means its role as coalition partner to VVD is under threat.
Leader Lodewijk Asscher‏ has reportedly said he sees no role for his shrunken party in new coalition talks, which are likely instead to involve the Christian Democrats and Democrats 66, with a possible role for GreenLeft too.
Asscher called the result “a blow”:
Aan wie ons steunde: dank voor uw vertrouwen! De uitslag is een dreun maar de toekomst van de sociaaldemocratie is strijd waard
(My rudimentary translation: “To all who supported us, thank you for your trust. The outcome is a blow, but the future of social democracy is worth fighting for.”)
6.11am GMT
06:11
Here are those latest figures; about 95% of the vote has been counted now, but the final official numbers are not published until 21 March. Nonetheless this is a pretty good guide to the way the new parliament will look:
Good morning! Here are the #DutchElection results. The pollsters were very close. (Final official results will be released 21 March.) pic.twitter.com/tLWBnRYwTM
6.03am GMT
06:03
Dutch front pages
NRC: Rutte can do it – but with whom?
Voorpagina nrc morgen pic.twitter.com/yhSuNDosyB
Algemeen Dagblad: Rutte again
Voorpagina AD donderdag! pic.twitter.com/lEU60pfiUM
BN DeStem: Rutte keeps smiling
Voorpagina BN DeStem the day after: Rutte blijft lachen pic.twitter.com/qfgbcX4aTz
De Volkskrant: Rutte keeps populists down
Dit is de voorpagina van de krant van donderdag 16 maart. En heel veel is al te lezen op Volkskrant.nl pic.twitter.com/wGoOouVGdY
5.39am GMT
05:39
An editorial in respected Dutch daily NRC says the Netherlands has woken up to a “normal” morning:
The Dutch have woken up in a “normal” country, as prime minister Mark Rutte puts it: there was no populist revolt.
Rutte’s VVD lost a quarter of its support but thanks to its substantial lead over the other parties finds itself in an exceptionally comfortable position as leader.
The PvdA, however, one of the pillars of the postwar welfare state, is in existential crisis. Never in parliamentary history has a party lost so many seats.
What is clear is that governing does not pay. The outgoing government presented a dream budget this year: what should have gone up went up, what should have come down came down. The Netherlands is currently one of the best performing countries in the EU. And still voters punished the outgoing coalition severely.
For the voter, apparently, politics is about more than the economy.
5.18am GMT
05:18
Jon Henley
The Dutch news agency ANP has said its final results forecast, usually published sometime on election night, is unlikely to be available until later on Thursday or even on Friday.
That’s because several large municipalities including Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht don’t expect to finish counting until then.
But the ANP’s election chief, Mark Westerhoff, said he expected no further significant changes to the picture. With 93.3% of votes counted, that was:
VVD 33 seats
PVV 20
CDA and D66 19 each
GroenLinks, SP 14
PvdA 9
ChristenUnie and Partij voor de Dieren 5 each
50PLUS 4
SGP and DENK 3
Forum for Democracy 2
5.08am GMT
05:08
Some happy campaigners in The Hague:
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 GMT
03:50
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 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 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.”
3.21am GMT
03:21
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.
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/XeqCep9PE6
2.50am GMT
02:50
Jon 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 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.
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.
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.
“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.”