Dutch PM Rutte on course for big victory over far-right Wilders

Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders of the PVV party votes in the general election in The Hague, Netherlands, March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The result was a relief to mainstream parties across Europe,particularly in France and Germany, where right-wing nationalists hope to make a big impact in elections this year,potentially posing an existential threat to the EU.

Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is set to make France's presidential election run-off in May, while eurosceptic,anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany is likely to enter the German federal parliament for the first time in a September election.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff, Peter Altmaier, could not restrain his joy, tweeting: "The Netherlands, oh the Netherlands you are a champion!..... Congratulations on this great result."

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault tweeted:"Congratulations to the Dutch for stemming the rise of the far-right."

The exit polls helped the euro rise to its highest againstthe dollar since Feb. 7.

Reuters