Dutch Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Rutte greets supporters after exit poll results for the parliamentary elections were announced in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP / Ermindo Armino)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte has claimed victory for his conservative VVD party in national elections.
Early on Thursday, Rutte said his chief rival, Labor leader Diederik Samsom, had called him to congratulate him on his win.
With 92 per cent of municipalities reporting, the VVD is forecast to take 41 seats in the 150-member Dutch parliament, compared to Labor's 39 seats.
Dutch prime minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Rutte addresses supporters after exit poll results for the parliamentary elections were announced in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP / Ermindo Armino)
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