The race was exciting until the very last minute.

This Dutch parliamentary election is witnessing a fierce competition between the traditional power, the VVD, and the new force, the NSC. Who will win?

The 2023 Dutch parliamentary elections saw a strong rise of new faces as Mark Rutte was about to leave office. (Source: Getty Images)

On October 22nd, Dutch voters will exercise their civic rights by electing a new Parliament. Afterward, the first task for the 150 new MPs is to find a seasoned politician to consult on potential coalitions. Once a final choice is made, this figure will select a "founder," usually the leader of the largest party. This politician is responsible for forming a governing coalition and working towards forming a government. This complex process can take months, even nearly a year, as Mark Rutte did with his cabinet two years ago.

However, this politician is now nearing the end of his interim leadership. Last summer, after 13 years in office, he resigned as Prime Minister when the cabinet dissolved due to disagreements over immigration. However, inheriting and maintaining his vast legacy will be no easy task for his successor.

Two potential candidates for the prime minister's seat have now emerged. Notably, this is their first time running for the position.

The most anticipated candidate is Dilan Yeşilgöz, Rutte's successor as leader of the ruling People's Democratic Party (VVD). Born into a Kurdish refugee family, she holds a firm stance on immigration and is committed to reforming the current refugee system. In an Ipsos poll (USA) , the VVD leads with 18% support. A victory would make her history as the first female prime minister of the Netherlands.

However, she is facing close competition from Pieter Omtzigt. This centrist politician has risen to prominence by criticizing shortcomings in government administration. Despite being founded only three months ago, his New Social Contract Party (NSC) has already garnered 18% support, matching the VVD. It remains unclear, however, whether this politician intends to personally take on the hot seat.

In the latest poll, no single party has yet secured 20% of the vote. Therefore, a majority coalition will consist of at least three, or even more. This fact makes smaller parties equally important. The Labour and Greens Alliance (PvdA-CL), led by former European Union (EU) Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans, is one such example. He calls for a new income tax increase and a 65% reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, higher than the EU's 55%. According to Ipsos , PvdA-CL received 16% support and ranked third.

Politician Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom (PVV) is also a figure not to be overlooked. As the longest-serving MP with 25 years, his anti-Islam and anti-EU stance has prevented his right-wing party from ever being in government. This year, however, he is ready to "tone down" his rhetoric and join new coalitions. According to an Ipsos poll, the PVV is in fourth place with 13% support. Another centrist party, the Peasant-Citizen Movement (BBB), is behind the PVV with 6%.

Several possible scenarios have emerged. Unlike Mr. Rutte, Ms. Yeşilgöz remains open to the possibility of cooperating with Mr. Wilders. This scenario could contribute to the formation of a coalition comprising three centrist parties (VVD, NSC, BBB) and one right-wing party (PVV). However, Mr. Omtzigt insists he will not cooperate with Mr. Wilders, as he desires a government that "respects fundamental human values ​​and rights."

This opens up the prospect of a minority ruling coalition, in which the VVD, NSC, or even the BBB could be supported by the PVV. However, Yeşilgöz does not want to lead a minority government if she wins.

In previous elections, a large number of voters typically only made their decision just before election day. In this context, with the close race between VVD and NSC, and the rise of PvdA-CL and PVV, the Dutch election promises to be exciting until the very last minute.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bau-cu-quoc-hoi-ha-lan-cuoc-dua-hap-dan-toi-phut-cuoi-cung-250785.html