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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jon Henley, Europe correspondent

Lessons for liberals: what can Dutch progressives’ victory over populism teach the world?

Democrats 66 (D66) party leader Rob Jetten (C) reacts to the first results in the Dutch general election, in Leiden, The Netherlands, 29 October 2025. The Netherlands held an early general election on 29 October, to elect a new House of Representatives.
Rob Jetten is set to become the Netherlands’ youngest ever prime minister. Photograph: Robin Utrecht/EPA

So how do you beat the populist far right? Judging by the joyous reaction to D66’s victory in last week’s Dutch elections, the progressive-liberal party – and in particular its infectiously upbeat young leader, Rob Jetten – have discovered the secret.

Although official results are not due until Friday, Jetten on Tuesday appointed a “scout” to sound out possible coalition partners after besting Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom party (PVV) by just 28,400 votes, out of more than 10m cast.

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