Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom Dominates Dutch Elections with Far-Right Agenda

In a significant political shift, Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islam stance, secured a major victory in the Dutch elections, as indicated by almost complete vote counts early Thursday. This development marks a notable move towards far-right ideologies in a country historically celebrated for its tolerance.

This electoral outcome is likely to create ripples across Europe, where right-wing sentiments are gaining momentum. Wilders is now poised to spearhead coalition negotiations, potentially becoming the Netherlands’ first far-right leader.

Wilders’ Party for Freedom is projected to obtain 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house, surpassing exit poll predictions and more than doubling its previous count of 17 seats.

An elated Wilders commented on the unexpected scale of his victory.

Following the results, political groups are planning discussions to strategize about forming a new government, a process expected to be challenging.

In an effort to appeal to right-wing and centrist parties, Wilders, despite his controversial views, assured that his policies would adhere to legal and constitutional norms.

His campaign focused on several key issues: proposing a referendum on the Netherlands’ EU membership, halting asylum-seeker acceptance, enforcing stricter border controls, and advocating for the country’s “de-Islamization.” He called for the closure of mosques and Islamic schools, though he appeared somewhat less extreme in his views on Islam during this campaign than previously.

His election success seems to be largely attributed to his emphasis on immigration control, addressing the last coalition’s downfall, and tackling the cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages.

A voter in The Hague, Norbert van Beelen, observed that immigration was a pivotal concern for many, overshadowing other issues like EU membership.

In his victory address, Wilders emphasized his intention to end the “asylum tsunami,” a central theme of his campaign, pledging to prioritize Dutch interests.

Yet, Wilders faces challenges in forming a coalition, given the hesitance of mainstream parties to align with his far-right agenda. Despite this, the magnitude of his victory could bolster his negotiating position.

Wilders urged other parties to engage constructively in coalition talks. Pieter Omtzigt, leader of the newly formed New Social Contract party, expressed openness to discussions.

The center-left Labor Party and Green Left, projected to win 25 seats, were Wilders’ nearest rivals. However, their leader, Frans Timmermans, ruled out any coalition with Wilders, defending Dutch democratic values against his anti-asylum seeker rhetoric.

Wilders’ triumph follows the victory of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party had ties to Mussolini’s legacy but has since moderated its stance.

Long known for his confrontational stance on Islam, the EU, and immigration, Wilders’ softened approach in the recent campaign earned him the nickname Geert “Milders.”

The election, triggered by the resignation of Mark Rutte’s coalition over migration disagreements, saw Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, a former Turkish refugee, potentially becoming the first female Dutch prime minister, though her party fell short in the polls.

This election outcome is part of a broader trend reshaping the European political landscape, with populist and right-wing parties seeing varied success across EU nations.

A local voter, Barbara Belder, reflected that Wilders’ win signifies a desire for change in the Netherlands.

Report by Casert from Brussels.

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More about Geert Wilders Victory

• Dutch Elections Overview
• Geert Wilders’ Political Profile
• European Far-Right Movement
• Netherlands Immigration Policies
• EU Member States’ Electoral Trends