Independent Thinking: Europe after the Dutch elections. Goodbye far right? Not so fast

Centrists are set to take power in the Netherlands after Geert Wilders suffered a setback. But the hard right remains influential.

Audio

Published 31 October 2025

Updated 3 November 2025 — 30 minute listen

Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders suffered a setback in Wednesday’s elections, with centrists poised to take back power.  

Rob Jetten, 38, leader of the centre-progressive Democrats 66 party, is set to become the Netherlands’ youngest leader in modern history after running on the upbeat slogan ‘Yes we can’. But the hard right remains influential.  

To discuss the outcome, and what it tells us about Europe beyond the Netherlands, guest host Grégoire Roos, Director of Chatham House’s Europe and Russia and Eurasia Programmes, is joined by Sébastien Maillard, a Chatham House Associate Fellow and special advisor to the Jacques Delors Institute. And, joining down the line from the Netherlands is Karien van Gennip, a former Deputy Prime Minister.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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