THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The centrist D66 party made significant gains in the Dutch elections, likely putting it in the lead to form the next government, as support for far-right leader Geert Wilders declined.

With 90 percent of votes counted early on October 30, both D66 and Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) were projected to win 26 seats each in the 150-seat parliament. That marked a sharp drop for Wilders from his record win in 2023, while D66 nearly tripled its seats, making it the biggest gainer.

Early exit polls had shown a narrow win for D66, though updated results showed Wilders performing slightly better. Still, the outcome is unlikely to change coalition plans, as mainstream parties have ruled out working with Wilders, who brought down the last PVV-led coalition.

Wilders admitted disappointment at losing seats but said he would continue fighting from the opposition. "Of course, we would have liked to win more seats, and I regret the loss, but it's not as if we were wiped off the map," he said.

The results clear the way for D66 leader Rob Jetten, 38, to try forming a coalition and possibly become the Netherlands' youngest prime minister. Celebrating the win, Jetten told supporters, "We've shown the world it's possible to beat populist and extreme-right movements."

Jetten's popularity has risen in recent weeks as he campaigned to solve the housing shortage, improve education, and address immigration challenges.

Wilders, one of Europe's longest-serving populists known for his anti-Islam views, had previously pushed for banning asylum, cutting foreign aid, and deporting Ukrainian men — policies rejected by EU rules.

To form a majority, 76 seats are needed, meaning D66 will have to build a four-party coalition, potentially with the Christian Democrats, center-right VVD, and Greens-Labor alliance. Coalition talks are expected to take months.