Dutch Voters Weigh Prime Minister Choice
предстоящи парламентарни избори в Нидерландия voters are carefully considering who they want as prime minister and which parties should form the next government, factors wielding considerable influence over the election’s outcome.
Electoral History
Since 1986, the Netherlands has held 12 parliamentary elections. When an incumbent prime minister participated (9 times), their party emerged as the largest in 8 instances. The exception occurred in 2010. In 1994, 2002, and 2023, the sitting prime minister did not run. Notably, in 2023, the largest party (PVV) did not produce the prime minister.
Voter Preferences Surveyed
A survey conducted on July 4th and 5th, 2025, polled nearly 9,000 people on their preferences for prime minister. Participants were asked about multiple potential candidates to gauge individual appeal and potential inter-party dynamics in a head-to-head contest.
The survey presented eight names, assessing enthusiasm for each as a potential prime minister. A subsequent graph detailed support levels among voters from different parties.
Data suggests that Henri Bontenbal enjoys relatively broad appeal, with 40% or higher support from both the right-leaning VVD and left-leaning GroenLinks/PvdA, D66, and Volt. Other candidates showed high scores on only one side of the political spectrum.
Coalition Preferences
Similar patterns emerge regarding preferred coalition partners, according to the survey. The following graph illustrates Dutch voters’ scores for potential government partners.
The CDA again scores highly. An interactive graph provides a more detailed breakdown.
Polarization is evident when examining individual parties. The CDA stands out for receiving support from across the political spectrum.
A significant portion of VVD voters (56%) strongly opposes GroenLinks/PvdA joining the government, with 44% of PVV voters sharing that sentiment. According to recent polls, 35% of Dutch voters believe that the rising cost of living is one of the most important issues facing the country, potentially influencing their choices of coalition partners (Europe Elects).
Among CDA voters, three-quarters oppose PVV participation in the government, while a third feel the same about GroenLinks/PvdA. JA21 voters express even stronger sentiments, with 12% against PVV and 89% against GroenLinks/PvdA inclusion.
Election Outlook
While precise predictions remain elusive, voter opinions regarding potential prime ministers, party leaders, and desired coalition partners will undoubtedly play a significant role in the upcoming months leading up to the election on October 29, 2025.
