2023-11-22 23:49:19
Published on Nov. 22, 2023 at 10:23 p.m. Updated on Nov. 22, 2023 at 10:49 p.m.
In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, the far-right leader, created a surprise this Wednesday evening. His party, the PVV (Freedom Party), was expected to win the legislative elections with 35 seats, according to an exit poll. A comfortable victory against the left alliance of Frans Timmermans and its 26 seats, and the 23 seats of the center-right VVD.
“We can no longer be ignored,” responded the far-right leader. “The Dutch hope that the people can take their country back and that we will ensure that the tsunami of asylum seekers and immigration is reduced,” he told his supporters.
If it is confirmed by the final results, the victory of the PPV marks a turn to the right which will be greeted with a certain apprehension in Brussels: Geert Wilders notably promised a binding referendum on a “Nexit”, in short an exit from the Netherlands of the European Union. His anti-immigration message, which includes closing borders and deporting illegal immigrants, appears to have resonated with voters.
Moreover, it is not at all certain that he will succeed in forming a government coalition. The leaders of the other three main parties have assured that they will not participate in a coalition led by the PVV.
Geert Wilders, who has lived under police protection for nearly 20 years, has built his career crusading against what he calls an “Islamic invasion” of the West.
The Dutch portfolio
Proposed anti-immigration measures include the reestablishment of Dutch border control, the detention and expulsion of illegal immigrants, the removal of Syrian asylum seekers and the reintroduction of work permits for intra-European Union workers.
On Islam, the PVV manifesto is clear: “No Islamic schools, Korans and mosques”. He also proposes banning the wearing of headscarves in government buildings.
In terms of foreign policy, the PPV defends a nationalist approach, which notably includes the closure of its representation in Ramallah and the strengthening of ties with Israel, including the move of its embassy to Jerusalem.
Geert Wilders, however, for these elections, tried to smooth out some of his populist rhetoric and by focusing on other concerns of voters, ended up exceeding expectations.
There are “more important problems than the fight against the flow of asylum seekers and immigrants”, he declared during one of the last electoral debates. Ready to put aside his views on Islam to govern, he spoke to the Dutch portfolio. His victory was hailed by the Hungarian Prime Minister. Viktor Orban welcomed the “winds of change” on Wednesday evening.
(AFP)
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