Overview
- The vote follows June’s collapse of the four-party government after Geert Wilders withdrew his PVV ministers over demands for a hardline immigration agenda.
- Polling shows the PVV narrowly ahead as ballots open, with broadcasters set to publish an exit poll at the close of voting.
- Migration, a severe shortage of affordable housing, and rising health-care costs dominate voter concerns, while climate and defense have receded.
- The campaign saw AI-generated fakes targeting Frans Timmermans posted by a Facebook group run by two PVV candidates, drawing an apology from Wilders, and anti-immigrant protests that turned violent in The Hague.
- Surveys indicate high numbers of undecided voters and rising support for the Christian Democrats and D66, while mainstream parties say they will not join a PVV-led coalition under the proportional system that typically requires months of talks.