Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —After 25 years in parliament, Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) secured a decisive victory in the Dutch elections, winning 37 seats, far ahead of the second-placed left-wing alliance with 25 seats. Wilders declared,
“The PVV can no longer be ignored. We will govern.”
His victory marks a significant shift in Dutch politics, and the ripple effects will be felt across Europe. However, to become prime minister, Wilders must form a coalition, aiming for 76 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
At 60 years old, Wilders was met with cheers from his supporters as he addressed the media after the win. He expressed his willingness to negotiate with other parties, despite prior resistance due to his far-right policies. His primary platform included a promise to close borders and postpone controversial plans like banning the Koran. In his victory speech, Wilders emphasized, “We want to govern, and we will govern. This responsibility is enormous.”
Before the elections, three major parties had rejected the possibility of collaborating with Wilders, but his overwhelming success could force them to reconsider. Dilan Yesilgöz of the centre-right VVD, a former candidate for prime minister, expressed doubt about Wilders’ ability to secure enough support. Nonetheless, she stopped short of ruling out a coalition altogether, leaving the door slightly ajar for collaboration.
Frans Timmermans’ left-wing alliance, which came second, firmly rejected any participation in a Wilders-led government, prioritizing the defense of Dutch democracy and rule of law.
Wilders’ win has drawn international attention, with nationalist leaders across Europe celebrating the result. In France, Marine Le Pen hailed it as a victory for national identities. Wilders, who has previously advocated for a “Nexit” referendum, may face challenges in convincing coalition partners to align with his EU exit stance. His success, however, stems largely from tapping into the widespread frustration with migration and the previous government’s collapse over asylum policies.
The Netherlands’ electorate had been sharply divided, with nearly half of voters undecided leading up to election day. Wilders’ emphasis on tackling migration, including the rise in asylum seekers and housing shortages, resonated with many voters. His policies garnered significant support, even from those conflicted by his stance on Islam.