There was a long debate between D66 and Geert Wilders' far-right party PVV after the election on Wednesday, but on Friday the ANP stated that the PVV could no longer catch up in the vote count.
"I think we are showing the rest of Europe and the world that it is possible to beat populist movements if you have a positive message for your country in your campaign," Jetten told the AFP news agency.
The 38-year-old has attracted voters with the optimistic slogan “Het kan weel” – it is possible – which clearly alludes to former US President Barack Obama’s famous “Yes, we can”. Jetten has also been described as a mix between Obama and former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The close election means that D66 and PVV could very well end up with the same number of seats, but whoever ends up with the most votes will have the first chance to form a government. Regardless, Jetten has been considered to have the clearest chance of forming a coalition, as several major parties have rejected a collaboration with the PVV.
