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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)
10.19am GMT
10:19
Juncker hails victory for 'tolerant societies'
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has hailed the Dutch election result as a vote for “free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe.”
In a letter to Rutte he said the result would be as an “inspiration for many” a veiled reference perhaps to forthcoming elections in France and Germany.
He didn’t mention anti-EU and anti-immigrant Geert Wilders but Junckers is clearly relieved that he was beaten into second.
Writing in Dutch Junckers added: “Let us put our heads together for a stronger Europe.”
Congratulations to my friend @markrutte for his clear victory yesterday night. Laten we samen bouwen aan een sterk #Europa! pic.twitter.com/euckESZkoo
10.03am GMT
10:03
Here’s a graphic of latest results.
10.01am GMT
10:01
Denis MacShane Britain’s former Minister of Europe under Labour, has hailed the result as the end of populism in Europe.
Writing in the Independent he says:
The Dutch result and the probable new President of France signals an end to Brexit-Trump nationalist populism with its nasty anti-immigrant scapegoating. Such politics will not disappear and it will infect mainstream parties, much as Ukip has now transplanted itself into the Conservative Party and even the cabinet.
But democracies are not yet ready to surrender to their extremes.
He also says the result should be a warning to Britain’s Labour party.
The Dutch centre-left party shares the same name as Labour but it slumped from 33 to 9 seats. Its leader, Lodowijk Aascher, tried to turn his fire on European workers in the Netherlands much as many Labour MPs have produced plans to limit Europeans working in the UK with proposals for Cold War era work permits, regional quotas, passports for London, and other schemes for external control that are archaic, bureaucratic and unenforceable short of a complete shutdown of entry into Britain.
Far better would be stronger internal controls of the UK labour market to promote local employment, training, and protection of workers. But so traumatised is post-Brexit Labour that the party has lost clarity of thought. Labour MPs quoted approvingly the PvdA’s Aascher as he sought to scapegoat European workers in the Netherlands, but Dutch voters are not buying left nationalist populism.
9.52am GMT
09:52
Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament, has welcomed the Dutch result and claims it shows why Marine Le Pen will not be elected president in France.
“People want constructive and reliable politicians to govern their country. This is why Le Pen will also fail,” he tweeted.
People want constructive and reliable politicians to govern their country. This is why Le Pen will also fail. https://t.co/iIjbvrgqqZ pic.twitter.com/4qM9jD8zuE
9.47am GMT9.47am GMT
09:4709:47
With 95% of votes counted here’s Jon Henley’s latest roundup of the results.With 95% of votes counted here’s Jon Henley’s latest roundup of the results.
9.46am GMT9.46am GMT
09:4609:46
The German broadcaster Deutsche Welle has a useful video roundup of the reaction from seven leaders of the main party in the Netherlands (with subtitles). All but one claim the result as some kind of victory. The exception is Labour Party leader Lodewijk Asscher who admitted the result was “unbelievably disappointing” and that voters had put their trust in another party – an apparent reference to GreenLeft. The Labour Party or PvdA fell from 35 seats to just nine.The German broadcaster Deutsche Welle has a useful video roundup of the reaction from seven leaders of the main party in the Netherlands (with subtitles). All but one claim the result as some kind of victory. The exception is Labour Party leader Lodewijk Asscher who admitted the result was “unbelievably disappointing” and that voters had put their trust in another party – an apparent reference to GreenLeft. The Labour Party or PvdA fell from 35 seats to just nine.
When it comes to the #DutchElection, everyone's a winner. pic.twitter.com/8uBQz4IzRpWhen it comes to the #DutchElection, everyone's a winner. pic.twitter.com/8uBQz4IzRp
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.48am GMTat 9.48am GMT
9.17am GMT9.17am GMT
09:1709:17
Britain’s Green Party is buoyed by the performance of the GreenLeft which came from nowhere to a projected 14 seats.Britain’s Green Party is buoyed by the performance of the GreenLeft which came from nowhere to a projected 14 seats.
Joint Green Party leader Jonathan Bartley sees this as a good omen.Joint Green Party leader Jonathan Bartley sees this as a good omen.
Like that from @BBCNews What happened with @groenlinks in Dutch elections “may be a taste of things to come elsewhere” @TheGreenPartyLike that from @BBCNews What happened with @groenlinks in Dutch elections “may be a taste of things to come elsewhere” @TheGreenParty
Huge congratulations @GroenLinks! Really great news proving freedom, a positive and hopeful vision can win votes https://t.co/9vx203EREBHuge congratulations @GroenLinks! Really great news proving freedom, a positive and hopeful vision can win votes https://t.co/9vx203EREB
But Rafael Behr warns us to beware of Brits drawing too many conclusions from the Dutch results.But Rafael Behr warns us to beware of Brits drawing too many conclusions from the Dutch results.
Tomorrow is squeeze your opinions about UK politics into a Dutch election result without knowing anything about Dutch politics day. Enjoy.Tomorrow is squeeze your opinions about UK politics into a Dutch election result without knowing anything about Dutch politics day. Enjoy.
9.00am GMT9.00am GMT
09:0009:00
Turkey: 'no difference' between Rutte and WildersTurkey: 'no difference' between Rutte and Wilders
Turkey said there is “no difference” between the ruling Dutch liberals and the “fascist” anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders, after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte defeated the far-right in elections, AFP reports.Turkey said there is “no difference” between the ruling Dutch liberals and the “fascist” anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders, after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte defeated the far-right in elections, AFP reports.
“You look at the social democrats and the fascist Wilders, there is no difference, they have the same mentality,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said acording to state-run news agency Anadolu.“You look at the social democrats and the fascist Wilders, there is no difference, they have the same mentality,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said acording to state-run news agency Anadolu.
The comments follow Turkey’s suspension of diplomatic relations with the Netherlands on Monday and Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan twice describing the Dutch government as Nazis on Saturday after Cavusoglu and Turkey’s family affairs minister were prevented from attending rallies.The comments follow Turkey’s suspension of diplomatic relations with the Netherlands on Monday and Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan twice describing the Dutch government as Nazis on Saturday after Cavusoglu and Turkey’s family affairs minister were prevented from attending rallies.
Earlier this week Rutte accused Erdoğan, of escalating the row after holding the Netherlands responsible for Srebrenica massacre.Earlier this week Rutte accused Erdoğan, of escalating the row after holding the Netherlands responsible for Srebrenica massacre.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.02am GMTat 9.02am GMT
8.45am GMT8.45am GMT
08:4508:45
Party leaders are expected to meet this afternoon to discuss the first steps of coalition horse trading.Party leaders are expected to meet this afternoon to discuss the first steps of coalition horse trading.
Ruling coalitions need at least 76 seats between them. Rutte’s VVD is well short of that with 33 seats, so will need the support of at least three other parties. The Christian Democrats and centrist D66 parties are likely future coalition partners with 19 seats each. But which other party could join? Rutte has ruled out working with Wilders’ PVD which came second with 20 seats.Ruling coalitions need at least 76 seats between them. Rutte’s VVD is well short of that with 33 seats, so will need the support of at least three other parties. The Christian Democrats and centrist D66 parties are likely future coalition partners with 19 seats each. But which other party could join? Rutte has ruled out working with Wilders’ PVD which came second with 20 seats.
Coalition talks are likely to take months and may not succeed.Coalition talks are likely to take months and may not succeed.
Poll: in which month will the Netherlands get a new government?Poll: in which month will the Netherlands get a new government?
8.33am GMT8.33am GMT
08:3308:33
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.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/7v15q1UvZeFTSE 100 hits record high after US interest rate hike and Dutch election --> https://t.co/7mgyUm3bNm pic.twitter.com/7v15q1UvZe
8.30am GMT8.30am GMT
08:3008:30
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.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 @FTWilders 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#DutchElectionMaybe 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 confusingTrudeau, 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/mURJs3tRMFThe 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.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?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 GMT8.09am GMT
08:0908:09
The secretary general of France’s far-right Front National said he was encouraged by the gains for Geert Wilders.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.“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