Dilemma for Dutch Social Democrats After Historic Defeat
Should Labor attempt to lure back working-class voters or side with the socially progressive middle class?
Dutch Election 2017
Parliamentary elections were held in the Netherlands on March 15. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal VVD placed first with 33 out of 150 seats. The social democratic Labor Party suffered an historic defeat, going down from 38 to nine seats.
Election Reveals Educational Divide in Netherlands
Most liberal Democrats and Greens have university degrees. Few Freedom and Socialist Party voters do.
What Happens Next in the Netherlands?
Expect months of talks to form a government. For only the second time, the king will not be involved.
Center-Right Parties Expected to Form Government in Netherlands
Mark Rutte is likely to form a coalition with parties in the center.
Dutch Mainstream Defeats Populist Geert Wilders
Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal party remains the largest. Geert Wilders underperforms.
Optimist Rutte Asks Dutch to Reject Rival’s Pessimism
The liberal incumbent has framed the election as a choice between optimism and pessimism.
Four Parties Vie for First Place in Dutch Election
Mark Rutte’s liberals are ahead in the polls, but three rivals are not far behind.
Rutte Cautions Against Populist “Experiment” in Netherlands
The liberal prime minister rules out a pact with his Freedom Party rival, Geert Wilders.
Geert Wilders Isn’t Really Interested in Governing
The Dutch Freedom Party leader has gone out of his way to avoid the hard work of government.
Netherlands’ Wilders Loses Support to Christian Democrats, Socialists
Dutch Freedom Party voters are defecting to what may look like opposite ends of the political spectrum.
Polls Point to Six Possible Coalitions in Netherlands
Most scenarios involve four or five parties.
Dutch Anti-Wilders Could Face Dilemma After the Election
Jesse Klaver will have to choose between allying with the center-right or remaining in opposition.
Invisible and Unhinged, Wilders Loses Support in Netherlands
Geert Wilders shuns debate with other parties, who accuse him of hiding behind slogans.
Left-Wing Pact in Netherlands Hinges on Centrist Ambitions
There could be a left-wing government in the Netherlands if centrist parties are willing to make the necessary compromises.
Parties Take Sides in Netherlands’ Culture War
The political divide is shifting away from left versus right.