Liberals ahead in Dutch election

The Liberal party is one seat ahead of the Labour party in the Dutch election as early Thursday morning votes were posted, but the far-right anti-immigrant Party for Freedom is the big winner in third place. Some 88 per cent of the votes have been counted.  

Reuters

Mark Rutte's Liberal party (VVD) had called for deep cuts in public spending by about 45 billion euros during the campaign, and had led in the polls, but their support dwindled in the final 48 hours of lobbying.

Labour was more cautious, promising "careful" savings, as well as higher taxes for the rich.

As the left-wing parties fought for seats, Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) made the largest gains with its number of  seats going from nine to 24.

"We are the biggest winner today. The Netherlands chose more security, less crime, less immigration and less Islam," Wilders said on television. The PVV advocates a ban on new mosques and banning immigration from Muslim countries.

Rutte said he will establish a new government by 1 July.

"We do not exclude any party," he said when asked if he would form a coalition with the far right.