Following lengthy negotiations, the two parties are likely to form the core of a new coalition government to replace the outgoing centre-left Administration led by Wim Kok.
The right wing Christian Democrats came back from eight years in the wilderness with 44 seats, but it was a disaster for the Labour party.
Once a towering force in Dutch politics, it lost 21 seats and saw its leader Ad Melkert resign as the results came through.
Already, the Fortuyn party wants its hands on the immigration and crime ministries, the issues its assassinated leader exploited so well.
It may have won on sympathy and protest votes but the party is low on talent and experience and there will be months of negotiation before a coalition is formed.
But the march of rightwing populist parties across Europe continues with another crushing defeat for the left.
