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Dutch election: Rutte starts coalition talks after beating Wilders into second – live updates Dutch elections: Rutte starts coalition talks after beating Wilders into second – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
12.15pm GMT
12:15
With almost all the results in and coalition talks likely to take months we’re going to bring this blog to a close. Here’s a summary:
The results
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, has seen off a challenge from the anti-Islam anti-EU populist Geert Wilders to claim victory in parliamentary elections. Rutte said his victory halted resurgent nationalism, claiming “The Netherlands said ‘Stop’ to the wrong sort of populism.”
Coalition talks on forming a new government have begun in the Hague but could take months to finalise. Rutte’s party looks likely to take 33 seats (a loss of eight MPs) and will need the support of at least three other parties to secure the 76 seats needed to govern. The Christian Democrats (centre to centre-right) and Democrats 66 (economic: centre-right, social: centre-left), each with an expected 19 MPs, are two of the obvious candidates.
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 said he was proud that his PVV had gained seats to come second in the poll only 12 years after it was founded.
The Labour party or PvdA, slumped from 38 seats to a projected nine. Labour leader Lodewijk Asscher admitted the result was “unbelievably disappointing” and that voters had put their trust in another party – an apparent reference to GreenLeft.
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.
The official tally of results will be published on 21 March.
The reaction
The political establishment in Europe welcomed the Dutch result as victory for tolerance and a boost for the European Union after its battering from last year’s Brexit vote.
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said it was victory “free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel described it a “very pro-European result” and a “good day for democracy”.
In France, where the anti EU far right Marine Le Pen is leading in the presidential election polls, there was also relief from the political establishment. French president, François Hollande, said it was a “clear victory against extremism”. But Nicolas Bay, secretary general of Le Pen’s Front National said he was encouraged by the gains for Wilders.
Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament, said: “People want constructive and reliable politicians to govern their country. This is why Le Pen will also fail.”
Spain’s Conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy congratulated the Dutch people for their “responsibility”.
Britain’s FTSE 100 hit a new record high at the start of trading and European shares hit their highest level in 15 months.
Turkey said there is “no difference” between the ruling Dutch liberals and the “fascist” anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who was barred by Netherlands from speaking at rally in support of giving Turkish President Erdoğan, extra powers, said: “You look at the social democrats and the fascist Wilders, there is no difference, they have the same mentality.”
12.12pm GMT
12:12
Hanna Yusuf
Hanna Yusuf has been monitoring how Dutch TV has been crunching the numbers.
Two maps by @NOS illustrating the Labour party's astonishing loss since the #DutchElection in 2012 pic.twitter.com/Mraawv44z5
According to @NOS, most important issues for GreenLeft voters were: the environment, social security, education and Dutch values pic.twitter.com/EQ10JTeAAK
VVD voters were more concerned about the economy, Dutch values, tax and terrorism @NOS pic.twitter.com/xevM0fVduD
11.04am GMT11.04am GMT
11:0411:04
This FT graphic neatly sums up the result and the collapse in the Labour party vote.This FT graphic neatly sums up the result and the collapse in the Labour party vote.
Biggest wins in #DutchElection for smaller parties (GL, D66, CDA) at Labour's expense. Wilders not the story here. https://t.co/DOBylch8Ul pic.twitter.com/GkiNcFkG6bBiggest wins in #DutchElection for smaller parties (GL, D66, CDA) at Labour's expense. Wilders not the story here. https://t.co/DOBylch8Ul pic.twitter.com/GkiNcFkG6b
10.36am GMT10.36am GMT
10:3610:36
The Guardian’s communities team is looking for readers reaction to the Dutch poll.The Guardian’s communities team is looking for readers reaction to the Dutch poll.
10.34am GMT10.34am GMT
10:3410:34
Coalition talks beginCoalition talks begin
Hanna YusufHanna Yusuf
Party leaders have come together in The Hague for the beginning of coalition talks, writes Hanna Yusuf.Party leaders have come together in The Hague for the beginning of coalition talks, writes Hanna Yusuf.
Speaking on his way to the talks D66 leader Alexander Pechtold said that he is incredibly proud of the election results, and that he is keeping an open mind when it comes to forming a government.Speaking on his way to the talks D66 leader Alexander Pechtold said that he is incredibly proud of the election results, and that he is keeping an open mind when it comes to forming a government.
The CDA are having cake because they claim they have something to celebrate. The party leader, Buma, said: “this is the best campaign we have ever had”, according to the Dutch news site NOS.The CDA are having cake because they claim they have something to celebrate. The party leader, Buma, said: “this is the best campaign we have ever had”, according to the Dutch news site NOS.
The Labour party had a less festive mood. Asscher said that he will keep going, and try to rebuild.The Labour party had a less festive mood. Asscher said that he will keep going, and try to rebuild.
10.26am GMT10.26am GMT
10:2610:26
Merkel: ‘very pro-European result’Merkel: ‘very pro-European result’
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has welcomed what she describes as a “very pro-European result” and a “good day for democracy”German Chancellor Angela Merkel has welcomed what she describes as a “very pro-European result” and a “good day for democracy”
Speaking at a conference on demography, she said: “The Netherlands are our partners, friends, neighbours. Therefore I was very happy that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result, a clear signal.Speaking at a conference on demography, she said: “The Netherlands are our partners, friends, neighbours. Therefore I was very happy that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result, a clear signal.
“And that after days in which the Netherlands had to tolerate accusations and reproaches from Turkey which are totally unacceptable... It was a good day for democracy.”“And that after days in which the Netherlands had to tolerate accusations and reproaches from Turkey which are totally unacceptable... It was a good day for democracy.”
10.19am GMT10.19am GMT
10:1910:19
Juncker hails victory for 'tolerant societies'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.”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.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.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.”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/euckESZkooCongratulations to my friend @markrutte for his clear victory yesterday night. Laten we samen bouwen aan een sterk #Europa! pic.twitter.com/euckESZkoo
10.03am GMT10.03am GMT
10:0310:03
Here’s a graphic of latest results.Here’s a graphic of latest results.
10.01am GMT10.01am GMT
10:0110:01
Denis MacShane Britain’s former Minister of Europe under Labour, has hailed the result as the end of populism in Europe.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: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.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.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.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.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.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 GMT9.52am GMT
09:5209:52
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.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,” 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/4qM9jD8zuEPeople 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?