By Stephanie van den Berg

THE HAGUE (Reuters) -The Dutch vote in a national election on Wednesday with a choice between doubling down on the anti-immigration nationalism of populist Geert Wilders, who sank the last conservative coalition after a fractious two years, or a return to the centre.

With nationalist parties topping polls in Britain, France and Germany, the Dutch vote is a test of whether populism can expand its reach or whether it has peaked in parts of Europe.

Only two years ago, Wilders led his party to a stunning first-place finish in the 2023 election and formed an all-conservative coalition – although his partners refused to endorse him as prime minister. He brought it down in June over its refusal to adopt hardline, anti-refugee measures.

PVV AHEAD BUT BY A NARROW MARGI

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