Jetten to AFP: Dutch election win shows Europe's populists can be beaten

Dutch centrist leader Rob Jetten told AFP Friday his election victory over far-right head Geert Wilders demonstrated it was possible to beat populist parties that are on the rise in Europe.

"I think we've now shown to the rest of Europe and the world that it is possible to beat the populist movements if you campaign with a positive message for your country," Jetten told AFP.

Jetten had earlier claimed victory in the knife-edge election after local news agency ANP, which tallies and distributes the vote count, said he could not be overhauled.

"I am incredibly happy that... we have become the biggest party in this election. A historic result for the D66 (party). At the same time, I feel a great responsibility,"

Jetten said his job now was to form a "stable and ambitious" cabinet, which will require a lengthy process of coalition building.

The results will only become official when the Electoral Council declares them next Friday, but Jetten said there was no time to waste.

"We do not want to waste time unnecessarily because the Dutch people are asking us to get to work," said the 38-year-old, on course to become the country's youngest-ever prime minister.

He told reporters he had not yet heard from Wilders, but admitted the news of ANP's projection was "hot off the press."

"We both agreed yesterday it was important to take a break and wait until more clarity about this election result was available," said Jetten.

"But now it's clear that D66 will be the largest party."