Newcomer Is Poised to Be Next Premier
THE NETHERLANDS
A political newcomer was poised to become prime minister after a dramatic shift to the right in elections that swamped the socialists.
The outcome was a severe defeat for Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok’s liberal coalition, which brought steady growth since 1994 but was punished for ignoring concerns about immigration, welfare abuse and crime.
With 88.6% of the vote counted, Jan Peter Balkenende’s Christian Democrats had won 43 seats-- a gain of 15 in the 150-member lower house of parliament.
The upstart party of slain anti-immigration populist Pim Fortuyn--Pim Fortuyn’s List--swept into the legislature with 26 seats.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
