What Geert Wilders’ election win is telling Europe
Dutch politician Geert Wilders, AP
In a recent snap election in the Netherlands, a political storm has erupted following the resignation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte after 13 years in office. The election results reveal a significant shift in Dutch politics with Geert Wilders often likened to the Dutch Trump, emerging as the winner.
Geert Wilders: The Dutch Trump?
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Geert Wilders, commonly referred to as the Dutch Trump secured a decisive victory in the recent election. A conservative politician with striking blond hair, Wilders is renowned for his anti-immigration and anti-EU stance. While there are parallels with former US president Donald Trump, there is more to Wilders’ political agenda than meets the eye.
Wilders’ campaign centred around promises to end asylum seekers and immigration to the Netherlands. He pledged to limit the “asylum tsunami” and prioritise the economic well-being of Dutch citizens. Notably, Wilders advocates for the Netherlands’ exit from the European Union, a move he terms “Nexit”. This anti-EU sentiment raises concerns and questions about the country’s commitments within the bloc.
“The hope is, that people get their country back. That we make sure that the Netherlands is for the Dutch again. That we will limit the asylum tsunami and migration. That people will have more money in their wallets again, instead of spending millions to nonsense. That Netherlands will be more secure again. People expect our agenda of hope, tougher asylum and immigration policy, the people getting more money to pay for their utilities and groceries,” said Leader of the Party For Freedom, Geert Wilders.
Apart from his anti-immigration stance, Wilders is also known for his strong anti-Islam rhetoric. In 2008, he released a film criticising the Koran and over the years, he has consistently spoken against Islam considering it a significant threat to freedom and security.
“The biggest threat to our survival today, and the threats to our freedom, are the European Union, mass immigration and this terrible Islamic ideology of submission and violence,” said Wilders.
Representative of Groenlinks Party in Gelderland, Paul Smits, said, “It will be horrible for many things. It will be horrible for anyone who has a different background than a white Dutch background.”
Challenges and backlash
Wilders’ victory comes with challenges, given the Netherlands’ existing commitments as a member of the European Union. His proposal for a Nexit and promises to halt aid to developing nations, including Ukraine, may face hurdles within the EU framework. Additionally, Wilders’ opposition to Islamic institutions within the Netherlands conflicts with the country’s constitutional principles of freedom of religion and expression.
While Wilders secured a significant number of seats in the election, forming a government with a majority of 76 seats requires coalition-building. The Dutch proportional representation system necessitates collaboration with other parties. Potential allies, including the VVD, the outgoing prime minister’s party, may indicate a coalition in the making. However, Wilders will likely need to compromise on his Nexit stance to maintain a stable government.
“We will collaborate with other parties, because that’s what we like and we’ll show that we are able to do it. The Dutch citizen deserves it that the Freedom Party is in the next government and it will happen,” said Wilders.
Wilders’ victory in the Dutch election signals a shift towards anti-immigration sentiments and scepticism towards the European Union. As the political landscape evolves, the EU must consider the implications of this result and engage in thoughtful reflection on the rising tide of anti-immigration rhetoric in European politics. Wilders’ ability to navigate coalition dynamics and balance his controversial proposals will shape the future direction of Dutch governance and its relationship with the EU.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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