Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Geert Wilders Outpolls Christian Democrats

The AP is reporting that Geert Wilders' Party of Freedom (PVV) has garnered 24 seats (previously it had held 9 seats) in the Dutch parliamentary elections, while the outgoing ruling party, the Christian Democrats, "suffered a humiliating defeat, dropping to 21 seats — nearly half its current strength — and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende told supporters he was leaving politics." Balkenende had been Prime Minister for the last 8 years.

The AP article is by Arthur Max and Toby Sterling. It was posted at about 10:15 pm EDT, when 96.5% of the votes had been counted.

The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) appears to be the largest party now in the Netherlands, with 31 seats in parliament, followed closely by the Labour Party with 30.

The UK Guardian puts Wilders' showing at 23 seats, while characterizing the Christian Democrats' performance as a "humiliating crash."