This election is a direct result of this fragmentation and instability. The far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders dominated the last ruling coalition, but still pulled the plug in July, after less than a year. The various lessons that the Dutch media, political parties, and voters have drawn from this tumultuous experience should be relevant beyond the Netherlands, given that most European countries are struggling with a similar challenge: how to deal with the increasing electoral, ideological and political success.
I think we've now shown to the rest of Europe and the world that it is possible to beat the populist movements if you campaign with a positive message for your country, he said on Friday, as tallying from news agency ANP showed he was on course to win. The pro-EU, liberal D66 tripled its seat count with an upbeat campaign and a surge in advertising spending,