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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 ruling Christian Democrats (CDA) lost support. The social-liberal D66 gained at the expense of the Socialists (SP) and Greens. The far-right Forum for Democracy (FvD) took votes from the far-right Freedom Party (PVV).

76 seats needed for a majority
Dutch parliament The Hague

Dutch Election: Takeaways and What Happens Next

A center-right government seems likely, but new parties could play a role.

Nick OttensMarch 18, 2021November 19, 2021
Mark Rutte

Foreign Press Are Missing the Story in the Dutch Election

Journalists hype the far right and overlook the consensus in the center.

Nick OttensMarch 17, 2021November 15, 2021
Mark Rutte

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.

Atlantic SentinelMarch 17, 2021December 1, 2021
The Hague Netherlands

Dutch Election Guide

The Dutch electoral system, the parties, the polls and possible coalitions.

Nick OttensMarch 16, 2021October 25, 2021
Mark Rutte

Rutte Is More Pro-EU Than His Critics Allow

But his priorities may be different from theirs.

Nick OttensMarch 16, 2021November 11, 2021
Leiden Netherlands hospital

Dutch Should Keep Health Care System They Have

Liberalization has been a success.

Nick OttensMarch 14, 2021April 20, 2022
Mark Rutte

Financial Times Smears Netherlands’ Rutte as Bigot

The newspaper makes it appear the Dutch prime minister said the opposite of what he meant.

Nick OttensMarch 12, 2021December 1, 2021
Jesse Klaver

Dutch Left Could Have Worst Election in Decades

Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal party alone would win more seats.

Nick OttensMarch 11, 2021December 3, 2021
The Hague Netherlands

What’s at Stake in the Dutch Election

From climate policy to taxes, here are the key issues in the Dutch election.

Nick OttensMarch 5, 2021October 2, 2021
Netherlands wind turbines

Energy Plays Key Role in Dutch Election

There is consensus on biomass and natural gas. Nuclear energy and windmills are controversial.

Liam van de VenFebruary 27, 2021November 5, 2021
Rotterdam Netherlands

What Divides Dutch Voters

Age, education, geography and gender.

Nick OttensFebruary 23, 2021November 5, 2021
Wopke Hoekstra

Butter on Their Heads

Let the Dutch Christian Democrats and Labor look in the mirror before blaming Mark Rutte.

Nick OttensJanuary 24, 2021December 1, 2021
Wopke Hoekstra

Dutch Christian Democrats Can’t Expect White Knight

Wopke Hoekstra is back in the picture, but even he might not defeat Mark Rutte.

Nick OttensDecember 10, 2020December 1, 2021
The Hague Netherlands

Consensus Among Major Dutch Political Parties

The parties broadly agree on deficit spending, environmental policy, labor law and taxes.

Nick OttensNovember 30, 2020November 5, 2021

Dutch Far-Right Forum for Democracy Implodes

Thierry Baudet steps down as leader after yet more revelations of extremism.

Nick OttensNovember 23, 2020November 15, 2021

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