Overview
- The final count put D66 ahead of PVV by 28,455 votes, with both parties on 26 seats after roughly 90,000 expatriate ballots—heavily favoring D66—were tallied in The Hague.
- Geert Wilders acknowledged defeat and congratulated Rob Jetten, having earlier amplified unfounded claims of irregularities that the Electoral Council plans to address with Friday’s official proclamation.
- Rob Jetten appointed Wouter Koolmees, the NS rail chief and former minister, as 'éclaireur' to map coalition options and begin meetings with party leaders, with a report due on 11 November.
- No party holds a majority in the 150-seat chamber; one floated path is a four-party deal of D66, CDA, VVD and the Greens/Labour alliance for 86 seats, though VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz said there is 'no chance' her party works with Greens/Labour.
- Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof continues to handle day-to-day governance and expects to remain in office at least until Christmas while talks proceed.