In a surprising turn of events, anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders has emerged as the winner of the Dutch general election, according to an exit poll published by the national broadcaster NOS. Wilders’ Party for Freedom is expected to take 35 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, more than doubling the 17 seats the party won in the last election. This outcome would send a significant shockwave through European politics.
Wilders’ election program includes a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, ceasing the acceptance of asylum-seekers, and migrant pushbacks at Dutch borders. He also advocates for the “de-Islamisation” of the Netherlands, which has sparked concerns among many in the country. However, before taking power, Wilders would need to form a coalition government, which may prove challenging given the reluctance of mainstream parties to join forces with him.
The closest party to Wilders’ Party for Freedom is an alliance of the centre-left Labour Party and Green Left, which is forecast to win 26 seats. However, this alliance may not be able to provide the necessary support to form a government. The election was called after the previous government, led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, failed to agree on measures to rein in migration.
Geert Wilders (Via Geert Wilders/Twitter)
Wilders has been a controversial figure in Dutch politics, known for his anti-Islam rhetoric and plans to “de-Islamise” the country. Some have drawn comparisons between him and US President Donald Trump, who has also been associated with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views.
Despite the challenges ahead, Wilders has expressed his determination to lead the country and implement his policies. “I had to pinch my arm,” he said after the forecast. “Voters said ‘we are sick of it. Sick to our stomachs’.” He plans to end the “asylum tsunami” and reform the country’s immigration policies.
The election result follows a trend of populist and nationalist movements gaining power in Europe, which has raised concerns about the future of the continent’s political terrain. Wilders’ victory has been met with shock and apprehension, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complex process of forming a government and implementing his policies.
