Netherlands initiates European elections.
In Holland, people have started voting for the European elections. Polling booths opened at 7:30 am on Thursday. Surveys show that the Party for Freedom (PVV) of populist Geert Wilders is leading the race. After their strong performance in the Dutch parliamentary elections in November, the party is expected to be the dominant force in these elections as well.
Projections for the Netherlands' results are expected around 9 pm on Thursday. On the other hand, the outcomes for the entire European Union will be available on Sunday evening when polling stations in Germany and other EU countries close.
Following the Dutch elections, voting will take place in Ireland and the Czech Republic on Friday. Czech voters will have another day to cast their ballots, and people in Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Malta, and the French overseas territories will also vote on Saturday. On Sunday, June 9th, the election day is set for most other EU nations, including Germany.
The European Parliament currently has 705 representatives, but it is expected to increase to 720 seats after the elections in the 27 member states. Each country has a fixed number of representatives based on its population size, with Germany having the most seats at 96. Approximately 360 million people across Europe are eligible to participate in this election.
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In the Netherlands, people are casting their votes at various polling stations for the European elections. With the strong performance in the Dutch parliamentary elections, the Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders is expected to have a significant influence in these European elections as well.