Among the disappointed were also the Christian Democrats, the centre-left D66 and the far-left Socialist Party, which until less than a month ago enjoyed unprecedented popularity.

ECONOMIST: Elections in the Netherlands

While the two leaders have sought to play down speculation about an eventual coalition between them, correspondents note that they stand to have a comfortable majority in parliament, with the support of a third party such as the socially liberal D66.

BBC: Netherlands election: Centrists battle for votes