Nearly all political parties are claiming some form of victory following the municipal elections. Whether through gaining seats in specific municipalities, increasing their overall vote counts, or becoming the largest party locally.
Forum for Democracy expanded from 55 to 299 seats, calling itself “more strongly represented than ever before” on the social media platform X. The CDA reports holding 1,110 council seats, describing itself as the largest local party in the country.
Jesse Klaver of GroenLinks-PvdA says his party has “become the largest”, counting total votes nationwide, compared to the national elections in October 2025. “Back then, we were the largest in eight places and now, in 42″.
Party for the Animals and BBB
The Party for the Animals won fewer seats than in the previous municipal elections but is now represented in more municipalities. BBB participated in municipal elections for the first time, winning 19 council seats across 28 municipalities. Founder Caroline van der Plas says voters have shown that “BBB is alive and kicking”.
D66 and JA21
D66 also gained 57 seats nationwide and notes that 100,000 more people voted for the party compared to the previous municipal elections. JA21 says it has “gained a foothold” in several municipalities. Party leader Joost Eerdmans believes participation in local government is now within reach.
The Exception
ChristenUnie leader Mirjam Bikker struck a different tone. She said the party had “hoped for a different result,” as it will disappear from several municipal councils. Still, she sees “courage” in the vote gains compared to the previous elections.
The SP interprets the results similarly. Leader Jimmy Dijk points to a “substantial gain” in percentage terms compared to last October, even though the party ultimately lost 65 seats.
Local Parties
In most municipalities, a local rather than a national party has emerged as the largest. More than one in three voters chose a local party.
Across the Netherlands, 100 additional council seats were created due to population growth, increasing the size of several municipal councils.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
