2023-11-23 07:26:44
The big winner of the legislative elections in the Netherlands has a name: Geert Wilders, leader of the Islamophobic and sovereignist far right, identifiable by his platinum blond hair and his outrageous remarks. The Freedom Party (PVV), its formation, won 35 seats in the Dutch parliament on Wednesday, November 22, which has 150 seats, according to the first results calculated from an exit poll, but the results of which are in question. generally reliable.
If they are confirmed, Geert Wilders will more than double his number of elected officials. He himself seemed the first to be surprised by this announcement, as shown by his reaction, broadcast on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
35!!!!!!
PVV LARGEST PARTY ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oMANVYvGjy
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 22, 2023
Small parties
The alliance of the left and the Greens, led by former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans, came second with 26 seats; the center-right People’s Party (VVD) won 23 seats and the New Social Contract (NSC), a new formation created by Pieter Omtzigt, won 20 seats, still according to non-final figures.
Then there are a large number of small parties which, thanks to the very open Dutch electoral system, manage to find a place in parliament. The Citizen Farmers party thus won 7 seats while the Animals Party won three.
“Take back control”
“We can no longer be ignored”Geert Wilders immediately rejoiced, Wednesday November 22 in the early evening. “The Dutch hope that the people can regain control of their country and that we will ensure that the tsunami of asylum seekers and immigration is reduced.”
He immediately presented himself as leader of the future ruling coalition. For this, he will need to obtain the support of 76 deputies. He is not certain of succeeding, because the three other major parties are reluctant to enter into a coalition with him. Complex negotiations would have to take place to find a majority.
The formation of a new government is always a very long process in the Netherlands. It can take several months, during which the outgoing prime minister manages current affairs. But given the divisive character of Geert Wilders, this time it will be even more difficult.
The 60-year-old far-right politician, who has lived under police protection since 2004, was facing his sixth election. He campaigned on the theme of the fight against “the Islamist invasion” and wants the organization of a referendum to leave the European Union.
Congratulations from Viktor Orban and Marine Le Pen
It proposes the restoration of border controls, the detention and expulsion of illegal immigrants, the return of Syrian asylum seekers and the reintroduction of work permits for intra-European Union workers.
He also wants to ban the wearing of headscarves in government buildings and strengthen ties with Israel. He spoke out in favor of closing the Dutch representation in Ramallah and moving the Dutch embassy to Jerusalem.
His electoral success risks causing some embarrassment in Brussels. But he was immediately greeted by the head of the Hungarian government, Viktor Orban. He congratulated Geert Wilders in English on the social network “the wind of change” thus blowing over Europe.
The winds of change are here! Congratulations to @geertwilderspvv on winning the Dutch elections! pic.twitter.com/yh9LVcuP5J
— Viktor Orbán (@PM_ViktorOrban) November 22, 2023
The message is accompanied by the clip of a famous song by the group Scorpion, bearing the same name and dated 1990, which rather celebrated the end of communist regimes in Europe.
The victory of Geert Wilders was also warmly welcomed by Marine Le Pen who noted the “ spectacular performance in the legislative elections » from Dutch. For the president of the National Rally group in the Assembly, this result “confirms the growing attachment” of European peoples “in defense of national identities”.
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