Election Archives - DutchNews.nl

Dutch call for new rules to beef up European competition law

The Dutch cabinet has submitted a plan to Brussels which would give the European Commission greater powers to head off unfair competition from non-EU companies with considerable state support or home markets. The ‘level playing field instrument’ aims to make sure that the European market is ‘not distorted by companies which can compete unfairly due to their situation at home,’ junior economic affairs minister Mona Keijzer told MPs. This, according to the Financieele Dagblad, could refer to a Chinese company... More >

Dutch buck EU trend - fewer Eurosceptics

The Netherlands has bucked the trend in most of Europe by electing fewer Eurosceptics to the European parliament in this week’s elections, according to preliminary results based on 98% of the votes. The votes for the Netherlands give the social democratic PvdA six of the 26 Dutch seats in the European parliament. In second place is the ruling right-wing Liberal party of prime minister Mark Rutte with 4, a rise of one. This is one more than the NOS exit... More >

'Rutte, Baudet size each other up on TV'

The eve of the European elections saw two television debates take place – one between the 12 main party campaign leaders and one between prime minister Mark Rutte and Forum voor Democratie leader Thierry Baudet. The second debate between the two parties which are poised to do best in the polls was a first in modern Dutch political history and inevitably stole the limelight. ‘That the cock fights generated more excitement than the over-crowed chicken run was no surprise,’ NRC... More >

The Netherlands votes for its European MPs

The Netherlands goes to the polls on Thursday to elect the 26 Dutch members of the European parliament. Polling stations opened at 7.30, although some opened overnight, and will close this evening at 9pm. The results will not be announced until Sunday, but there will be exit polls on Thursday evening, giving an indication of how the Netherlands voted. Who to vote for? Our guide to the Dutch parties Polling stations have been opened in a number of unusual places,... More >