THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Latest on the Dutch national election (all times local):
11:30 a.m.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the Dutch election was “a good day for democracy.”
Merkel said during a speech in Berlin on Thursday: “I was very glad, and I think many people are, that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result.”
She added that it was “a clear signal – and that after days in which the Netherlands had to endure accusations from Turkey that are completely unacceptable, and after days in which we showed it our solidarity.”
Merkel has demanded that Turkey cease directing Nazi gibes not just at Germany but also at allies such as the Netherlands.
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11:15 a.m.
A top European Union official is congratulating Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on an election result that he says is “an inspiration for many.”
Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, wrote in a letter to Rutte on Thursday: “The people of the Netherlands voted overwhelmingly for the values Europe stands for: free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe.”
Juncker said he looks forward to “continuing our excellent working relations, in particular our work on the future of Europe.”
The Netherlands helped found what would become the EU 60 years ago.