Geert Wilders’ Far-Right Victory in Dutch Elections Sends Shockwaves Through Europe

In a surprising turn of events, Geert Wilders, the far-right, anti-Islam populist, is poised for a significant victory in the Netherlands’ parliamentary elections, marking one of the most significant political upsets in Dutch history since World War II. This outcome is likely to reverberate across the European continent.

According to the exit poll released by the national broadcaster NOS, Wilders’ Party for Freedom is set to secure 35 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, a remarkable increase from the 17 seats they won in the previous election. Official results are expected to be confirmed on Thursday.

Geert Wilders’ election platform includes several contentious proposals, such as a referendum on the Netherlands’ exit from the European Union, a complete halt to accepting asylum-seekers, and stricter border control measures. Notably, his campaign has centered on the concept of “de-Islamization” of the Netherlands, although he has adopted a somewhat milder tone towards Islam during this election.

Wilders attributed his victory to voters’ frustration, stating that they are “sick to their stomachs” and eager to end the “asylum tsunami.” He expressed his vision for the Netherlands to reclaim its prominence, declaring, “The Dutch will be No. 1 again, and the people must get their nation back.”

However, before Wilders can assume the role of prime minister, he must navigate the challenging task of forming a coalition government, as mainstream parties have been reluctant to align with him and his party. Nonetheless, the magnitude of his electoral success strengthens his position in potential negotiations.

Wilders has called upon other parties to engage constructively in coalition talks, and some politicians, like Pieter Omtzigt, have expressed willingness to participate. Omtzigt, who established the New Social Contract party, secured an estimated 20 seats.

The closest party to Wilders’ in terms of seats won was an alliance between the center-left Labor Party and Green Left, projected to secure 26 seats. However, its leader, Frans Timmermans, made it clear that a coalition with Wilders was not on the table, criticizing his stance on asylum seekers.

Despite his previously harsh rhetoric, Wilders has attempted to appeal to right and center parties by emphasizing that any actions he takes would be within the bounds of the law and constitution.

This historic victory comes one year after Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s win, whose party, Brothers of Italy, had ties to fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Meloni has since moderated her positions on several issues and has become a more acceptable figure within the hard right in the European Union.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his “illiberal” state policies and tough stance on migration and EU institutions, was quick to congratulate Wilders, emphasizing the winds of change.

In the final weeks of his campaign, Wilders adopted a softer tone, pledging to be a prime minister for all Dutch citizens and earning the nickname “Geert Milders.”

While the exit poll can have a margin of error, it is generally considered accurate, and this election is part of a broader trend reshaping the European political landscape, with populist and hard-right parties making gains in some EU member states while facing challenges in others.

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More about Dutch Election Upset

• Geert Wilders Wins Big in Dutch Election
• Dutch Election Results
• Challenges Facing Geert Wilders in Forming a Coalition
• Reactions of Dutch Political Leaders to Wilders’ Victory
• European Political Landscape Shift