In a dramatic turn of events, far-right populist Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom (PVV) are projected to win a significant number of seats in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to an exit poll published on Wednesday by the national broadcaster NOS. The poll suggests that Wilders is in the lead, with his party expected to secure 35 out of 150 seats, giving him a significant advantage over their closest rival, Frans Timmermans' Labour Party and Green Left alliance.

The conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, has fallen to third place in the exit poll, with projections indicating they will secure 23 seats. This unexpected surge in support for Wilders is set to shake up European politics, if confirmed once all votes are counted.

Wilders' election program, which called for a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, a cessation of accepting asylum seekers, and stricter immigration policies, including the "de-Islamization" of the country, gained traction among voters. Immigration was a contentious issue throughout the campaign and played a significant role in the collapse of Rutte's government.

The national election, which saw three serious contenders vying for power, was dominated by discussions on climate change and immigration. Polls leading up to the elections showed PVV and VVD neck-and-neck, with the Labour-Green Left ticket closely following.

Vincent Spijker, a 54-year-old quality control manager, expressed the sentiment shared by many voters: "It's been enough now. The Netherlands can't take it any more. We have to think about our own people first now. Borders closed. Zero asylum seekers."

The outcome of this election will introduce the Netherlands to its first new prime minister in 13 years, as Rutte concludes his tenure as the country's longest-serving leader. Wilders' strong showing has raised concerns among some citizens, with one Amsterdam resident stating, "I hope I don't wake up tomorrow and we have Wilders as prime minister. That's a nightmare."

As a founding member of the European Union, the Netherlands' election results will be closely observed by fellow EU leaders. Parties on the right have indicated their intention to seek exemptions from the bloc's agricultural and immigration regulations. Wilders, who openly admires Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and advocates for the Netherlands to regain control of its borders, reduce payments to the EU, and block the entry of new members, stands as a clear anti-EU voice.

With the possibility of a hard-right coalition and stronger anti-immigration policies on the horizon, the outcome of these elections has significant implications not only for the Netherlands but also for the wider European political landscape.

(Note: The article has been written based on the information provided and does not reflect personal opinions or biases.)