EPA Turkish-Dutch party Denk, accused of being a mouthpiece for Erdogan, won three seats in the election

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Denk, a party founded by Tunahan Kuzu and Selçuk Öztürk has become the first ever ethic minority party in the Dutch parliament. The party, which has long been accused of being a mouthpiece for Turkish president Recep Erdogan, won three seats in an election focused on immigration. Party leader Tunahan Kuzu said: “This is the beginning of a new chapter in our history. The new Netherlands has given a vote in the House.”

This is the beginning of a new chapter in our history. The new Netherlands has given a vote in the House Tunahan Kuzu

The party has targeted Dutch-Turks for support during the campaign and has seen a rise in support amid a diplomatic row between the Netherlands and Turkey. On Monday, Ankara said it would suspend high-level relations with the Netherlands after Dutch authorities barred Turkish ministers from addressing expatriate Turks in a campaign for a referendum about giving President Erdogan sweeping powers.

The top moments from the Dutch Elections Thu, March 16, 2017 Geert Wilders is battling the current Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Dutch Elections 2017 Play slideshow 1 of 30

The Turkish president is counting on the support of expatriates in the April 16 referendum and he reacted furiously to the Dutch moves over the weekend, accusing the government of acting like "Nazi remnants". Prime Minister Mark Rutte fired back saying Turkey was acting "in a totally unacceptable, irresponsible manner". It is thought the row gave Mr Rutte a last-minute boost in the Dutch election allowing him to take a tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues.

EPA Denk founder Selçuk Öztürk smiles outside a victory party following the election

The president and the Turkish government have said on several occasions they are not interested in interfering with domestic European politics. But as 13million voters went to the polls in the Netherlands President Erdogan urged Turks not to vote for Mr Rutte’s government or Geert Wilders. He warned: "Vote for parties that have a dialogue with Turkey. Be careful about this."

EPA Tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands have escalated

EPA Erdogan urged Turkish-Dutch voters not to vote for Geert Wilders