Introduction
The Netherlands general election 2025 is scheduled for 29 October 2025, following the collapse of the government earlier this year. The snap election was announced after the Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, withdrew from the governing coalition in June 2025 over disagreements regarding stricter immigration controls. This resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Dick Schoof and his cabinet, leaving the Netherlands under a caretaker government.
The upcoming Dutch elections 2025 are expected to be defined by debates on migration, housing shortages, healthcare access, economic management, and the Netherlands’ role in the European Union (EU). These issues will shape voter behaviour and influence the formation of the next coalition government.
Election Timeline and Key Dates
| Date | Event |
| August 2025 | Voter registration opened for domestic and overseas citizens. Political parties submitted candidate lists and manifestos to the Electoral Council. |
| 17 September 2025 | Final deadline for voter registration abroad; postal voting arrangements began. |
| 1–15 October 2025 | Final preparations for postal voting among expatriates. |
| 29 October 2025 | Election Day: Polling from 0730 to 2100 hours local time (0530–1900 UTC). |
The Netherlands general election 2025 is being conducted under the country’s proportional representation system, where all 150 members of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) are elected nationally.
Background
The Netherlands follows a parliamentary democracy model, where coalition governments are common due to the proportional representation system. Traditional parties such as the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Labour Party (PvdA) now face growing competition from newer groups including the Party for Freedom (PVV), New Social Contract (NSC), Democrats 66 (D66), and GroenLinks.
The Dutch elections 2025 take place against a backdrop of increasing political fragmentation and public division on immigration, housing, and economic policy. Disagreements over asylum policy led to the PVV’s withdrawal from the previous coalition, underscoring the centrality of migration in national politics.
Political Developments
In the 2023 elections, the PVV emerged as the largest single party but could not secure a majority. A coalition government was later formed in July 2024 under independent Prime Minister Dick Schoof, bringing together the PVV, VVD, NSC, and Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB).
Internal disputes over immigration led to the coalition’s collapse in June 2025, triggering the call for the Netherlands general election 2025. Opposition parties such as D66, PvdA, and GroenLinks maintained strong representation, while smaller parties like Volt, JA21, and Forum for Democracy added to the complexity of coalition-building.
Key Issues
Migration and Asylum Policy
Migration has emerged as the defining issue of the Dutch elections 2025. The PVV seeks to halt asylum intake and close reception centres, while other parties emphasize humanitarian obligations and compliance with international treaties.
Housing and Infrastructure
The Netherlands faces a severe housing shortage. Differing party views from attributing the issue to migration pressures to long-term underinvestment have made housing affordability a decisive electoral theme.
Economic and Fiscal Policy
Fiscal discipline, taxation, and social spending are central to party agendas. Some propose increased public expenditure, while others stress balanced budgets and long-term economic stability.
Political Fragmentation and Coalition Formation
With no single party expected to win an outright majority, coalition negotiations are anticipated to be prolonged. This is a recurring feature of Netherlands general election 2025, reflecting deep ideological diversity.
Security and Election Integrity
Security concerns have increased due to threats against political leaders, including Geert Wilders. Cybersecurity, foreign interference, and misinformation have also become major topics in the pre-election environment.
Electoral System
The Netherlands uses a proportional representation model to elect 150 members to the Tweede Kamer. The entire nation acts as a single constituency, and seats are distributed using the largest remainder method with the Hare quota.
A party requires approximately 0.67% of the national vote to secure one seat. This low threshold allows multiple smaller parties to gain representation, leading to broad but fragmented parliaments, a key feature influencing the Dutch elections 2025 outcome.
Dutch citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to vote, including those living overseas, who can cast ballots via mail or at embassies and consulates.
Security Environment and Stability
Authorities have introduced extensive security and counter-cyber measures ahead of the Dutch elections 2025. Recent far-right protests in The Hague and online threats have prompted stronger policing, legal reforms, and surveillance.
A law passed in March 2025 criminalizes digital and diaspora espionage, with sentences up to 12 years. The government has expanded investment screening to protect artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology sectors. Law enforcement agencies are also monitoring and prosecuting threats against political figures to ensure election safety.
Impact Assessment
- Temporary road closures and traffic restrictions in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.
- Minor delays at Rotterdam Port and Schiphol Airport due to enhanced security checks.
- Public transport congestion expected during voting hours.
- Cybersecurity risks, including phishing and denial-of-service attempts, targeting political and media websites.
- Offices near polling sites may require access control and identity checks.
Recommendations
For Individuals
- Avoid travel near polling stations on election day.
- Stay vigilant against election-related phishing attempts.
- Monitor official advisories for temporary road or transport disruptions.
For Businesses
- Schedule deliveries before or after election day to avoid restricted zones.
- Reinforce cybersecurity monitoring and train employees to detect suspicious communications.
- Coordinate with local authorities regarding access permissions and parking near polling zones.
Conclusion
The Netherlands general election 2025 is a pivotal event set against the backdrop of political fragmentation, coalition uncertainty, and rising security challenges. The Dutch elections 2025 will not only decide the country’s next government but also shape its future approach to migration, economic stability, and engagement with the European Union. As polling day approaches, both public institutions and private organizations are advised to maintain vigilance, plan ahead, and monitor developments closely to ensure operational continuity and safety during the electoral period.