Dutch centrist claims victory in polls, saying populists can be beaten

Rob Jetten on track to be Netherlands' youngest and first openly gay prime minister

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Democrats 66 party leader Rob Jetten, 38, said that "voters have made clear with this election result that they want cooperation on the centre ground" of Dutch politics.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Dutch centrist leader Rob Jetten on Oct 31 claimed victory in a knife-edge election over far-right head Geert Wilders, saying his surprise success showed populist movements could be beaten in Europe.

The 38-year-old head of the Democrats 66 (D66) centrist party is now on track to become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the European Union’s fifth-largest economy.

With far-right parties on the march in France, Germany and Britain, the Dutch vote was seen as a bellwether for the strength of populists in Europe.

Mr Jetten told AFP his positive message of optimism had convinced the Dutch electorate and delivered victory over the anti-Islam, anti-immigration Mr Wilders.

“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.”

Dutch news agency ANP, which collates and distributes the vote tally, called the cliffhanger election for Mr Jetten, saying he could not be overhauled.

With the final constituency result arriving on the evening of Oct 31, only the overseas postal votes are still to be counted.