Election results in the Netherlands: Far-right emerges from the ballot box

The vote counting process that began after the early general election held yesterday in the Netherlands is nearing its end. According to the latest polls, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders—often described as the "Dutch Trump"—has won 37 out of 150 seats. The Green-Labour Alliance, led by Frans Timmermans, came in second with 25 seats, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, placed third with 24 seats, and the New Social Contract, led by Pieter Omtzigt, took fourth place with 20 seats.

While the voter turnout was announced as 77.7 percent, the vote counting process continues in a small number of municipalities. The official election results will be announced on December 1.

COALITION TALKS TO BEGIN

The 60-year-old Wilders, known for his anti-immigrant, anti-EU, and anti-Islam stance, will hold talks for a coalition with his rivals, who had previously stated in their declarations that they would not participate in a government led by the PVV. In his victory speech during the night, Wilders stated, "I am confident we can reach an agreement. We will govern the country." Declaring that "the PVV can no longer be ignored," Wilders called on his rivals to reach an agreement with him.

For Wilders to form a government, he needs the support of at least 76 members of parliament in the 150-seat legislature.

"WE WILL NOT LET ANYONE LEAVE"

Frans Timmermans, who finished the election in second place, clearly stated in his post-election speech that he would have nothing to do with a government led by Wilders, and promised to defend Dutch democracy and the rule of law. Addressing his supporters, Timmermans said, "We will not let anyone leave the Netherlands. Everyone is equal in the Netherlands."

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz, who finished the election in third place, and Pieter Omtzigt, who finished fourth, congratulated Wilders on his success.

FIRST CONGRATULATIONS FROM ABROAD COME FROM ORBAN

The first foreign leader to congratulate Wilders and his party was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In a post on his social media account, Prime Minister Orban stated, "The winds of change are here. Congratulations on winning the Dutch elections."

DILAN YEŞİLGÖZ HAD SUPPORTED THE SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL

Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the coalition government in the Netherlands, had announced his decision to resign in July after serving for 13 years. Following Rutte's resignation, Ankara-born Dilan Yeşilgöz Zegerius was elected as the leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Dilan Yeşilgöz, the daughter of Yücel Yeşilgöz—who is known to be a PKK member and fled Turkey to the Netherlands after the 1980 military coup—had supported the so-called Armenian genocide bill. The 46-year-old Dilan Yeşilgöz was serving as the Minister of Security and Justice in the country's caretaker government.