D66 leader Rob Jetten has declared victory in the Netherlands parliamentary elections, claiming his party has become the largest. Jetten addressed the press Friday afternoon, calling the outcome a “historic result” and acknowledging the “great responsibility” that comes with it.

While official results are still pending, along with preliminary results from Venray and postal votes from abroad, D66 currently holds a lead of approximately 15,000 votes over the PVV.

The final outcome hinges on the results from Venray, where a partial recount is underway due to a fire at the town hall, and the postal votes from abroad. In 2023, Venray favored the PVV. Historically, D66 performs strongly with postal voters from abroad, even in elections where they underperform generally.

The ANP press agency has already concluded that D66 will emerge as the largest party. Jetten expressed confidence in the agency’s reporting when asked if he should await the definitive results or postal votes.

Additionally, D66 has the possibility of securing a residual seat, potentially giving them 27 seats compared to the PVV’s 26.

Regardless of whether the PVV or D66 ultimately wins the popular vote, the PVV is expected to be excluded from the upcoming government formation talks, as all major parties have ruled out working with Wilders.

The distinction lies in the fact that as the largest party, the PVV would typically have the prerogative to appoint an explorer, which could potentially slow down the process. If D66 is the largest party, they may appoint an explorer, which is expected to happen next Tuesday.

Jetten addressed the press Friday at the ‘patatbalie’.