The party of right-wing populist Geert Wilders has lost the top spot to the liberal Democrats 66 (D66) in the parliamentary election in the Netherlands, according to forecasts based on initial results reported by Dutch news agency ANP.

The projections, based on roughly 50 per cent of votes counted, align with earlier forecasts using exit polls.

D66 with its lead candidate Rob Jetten can expect to secure 27 of the total 150 seats in the parliament in The Hague, while Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) is expected to gain 25 seats.

Jetten called his party's performance a "victory over the hate" promoted by Wilders, telling supporters at his party's election night event that the Dutch people had sent a clear signal in favour of a positive future.

The current ruling conservative People's Par

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