Dutch Election: Takeaways and What Happens Next
A center-right government seems likely, but new parties could play a role.
Dutch Election 2021
Parliamentary elections were held in the Netherlands on March 17. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal VVD placed first with 34 out of 150 seats. The social-liberal D66 gained at the expense of left-wing parties. The far-right Forum for Democracy took votes from the far-right Freedom Party.
Foreign Press Are Missing the Story in the Dutch Election
Journalists hype the far right and overlook the consensus in the center.
Rutte Wins Dutch Election, Pro-EU Party Places Second
Mark Rutte’s reelection wasn’t in doubt, but D66’s second-place finish is a surprise.
Dutch Election Guide
The Dutch electoral system, the parties, the polls and possible coalitions.
Rutte Is More Pro-EU Than His Critics Allow
But his priorities may be different from theirs.
Dutch Should Keep Health Care System They Have
Liberalization has been a success.
Financial Times Smears Netherlands’ Rutte as Bigot
The newspaper makes it appear the Dutch prime minister said the opposite of what he meant.
Dutch Left Could Have Worst Election in Decades
Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal party alone would win more seats.
What’s at Stake in the Dutch Election
From climate policy to taxes, here are the key issues in the Dutch election.
Energy Plays Key Role in Dutch Election
There is consensus on biomass and natural gas. Nuclear energy and windmills are controversial.
What Divides Dutch Voters
Age, education, geography and gender.
Butter on Their Heads
Let the Dutch Christian Democrats and Labor look in the mirror before blaming Mark Rutte.
Dutch Christian Democrats Can’t Expect White Knight
Wopke Hoekstra is back in the picture, but even he might not defeat Mark Rutte.
Consensus Among Major Dutch Political Parties
The parties broadly agree on deficit spending, environmental policy, labor law and taxes.
Dutch Far-Right Forum for Democracy Implodes
Thierry Baudet steps down as leader after yet more revelations of extremism.