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NOS News • August 2006 • Politics

2006 Parliamentary election results

The Netherlands has voted, and the results of the 2006 parliamentary elections have delivered a nuanced result. The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), led by incumbent Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has emerged as the largest party in the 150-seat Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), securing 42 seats.

The Labour Party (PvdA), under the leadership of Wouter Bos has secured 35.

One of the most significant stories of the night was the meteoric rise of the Socialist Party (SP), led by Jan Marijnissen. The SP more than doubled its seats from 9 to 25, capitalizing on public discontent with neoliberal reforms and global financial instability. Their performance marks a historic high for the party and positions it as a major force on the Dutch left.

The right-liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by Mark Rutte, also faced losses, dropping to 22 seats. Rutte's leadership—his first election as party leader—will likely come under scrutiny following the disappointing result.

Another notable development was the loss amongst the United Netherlands Party (VB), founded by John Daelman, which secured only 9 seats. Once seen as a rising force, the result may force a re-evaluation of its strategy and messaging.

Political analysts suggest that the election results signal a public yearning for stable, centrist governance amid uncertain times. At the same time, the surge in support for the Socialist Party reveals growing discontent with neoliberal policies, intensified by global financial instability. Any incoming government will need to reckon with these shifting sentiments, likely placing greater emphasis on social welfare and support for the most vulnerable as it navigates a world marked by economic and political turbulence.

Coalition negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with a new government not likely to be formed for several weeks, if not months. Until a new government is installed, Prime Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and his cabinet continue in a caretaker capacity.




Figure 1. Seat distribution of the 2006 general election

	Party	Political position	Seats
CDA	Christian Democratic Appeal	Centre-right | Christian democracy	42
PvdA	Labour Party	Centre-left | Social democarcy	35
SP	Socialist Party	Left-wing | Democratic socialism	23
VVD	People's Party for Freedom and Democracy	Centre-right | Conservative liberalism	20
VN	United Netherlands	Right-wing | National conservatism	9
GL	Green Left	Left-wing | Green politics	9
CU	Christian Union	Centre | Christian democracy	6
D66	Democrats 66	Centre | Social liberalism	4
SGP	Reformed Political Party	Right-wing | Christian right	2

Table 1. Results of the 2006 general election