Dutch Local Elections See Gains for Forum for Democracy, Local Parties Dominate

The Netherlands witnessed significant shifts in its local political landscape following municipal elections held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Even as local parties secured the majority of city council seats nationwide, the far-right Forum for Democracy (FVD) experienced substantial gains, emerging as a major climber in the polls, while the left-wing GroenLinks-PvdA alliance remains the largest single party.

Local Parties Maintain Stronghold

According to reports from NOS, local parties continue to be the dominant force in Dutch municipal councils. This trend underscores the importance of localized issues and candidates in attracting voter support. The overall turnout for the elections was higher than in 2022, suggesting increased civic engagement.

Forum for Democracy Achieves Significant Gains

The Forum for Democracy (FVD) made the most notable gains of any single party in the elections. In Velsen, the FVD secured a remarkable increase from two to eight seats on the municipal council, becoming the largest party in the municipality. This success is attributed to the party’s platform, which includes Euroscepticism, nationalist rhetoric, and criticism of immigration policies, alongside a focus on local issues and citizen participation [World Today Journal].

The FVD’s gains in Velsen came at the expense of established parties, with Velsen Lokaal seeing its seat count fall from seven to five. D66 maintained six seats, becoming the second-largest party, while Sterk Velsen lost seats, finishing with three representatives [World Today Journal].

GroenLinks-PvdA Remains Largest Party Nationally

Despite the gains made by the FVD, the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance appears to be the largest party nationally, according to initial forecasts [NL Times]. This indicates continued support for left-leaning policies among Dutch voters.

Election Fatigue Among Coalition Parties

The elections also revealed signs of “election fatigue” among traditional coalition parties, suggesting a potential shift in voter allegiances [NL Times].

Looking Ahead

The results of the 2026 municipal elections signal a dynamic shift in Dutch local politics. The success of the FVD and the continued dominance of local parties suggest a growing desire for alternative political voices and a focus on localized issues. Coalition negotiations in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of governance in municipalities across the Netherlands.