Political Earthquake in the Netherlands: Right-Wing Populist Wilders Leads the Early Election Results!
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US (1 / 1) 26.03.2024 15:35 von Günter
In the early parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, the party of right-wing populist Geert Wilders is in the lead, according to partial results announced on Thursday. Wilders' PVV party is expected to secure 35 seats in parliament, compared to 24 seats for the center-right VVD and 25 seats for the center-left Groenlinks/PvdA alliance.
Upon the release of the initial forecasts, Wilders expressed confidence in his victory. Speaking to cheering supporters in The Hague, he said that his Freedom Party PVV can no longer be ignored and that the Dutch are hopeful that people will regain their country and that his party will reduce the "tsunami of asylum seekers and immigrants". Wilders called on other parties to work together to form a coalition.
Coalition ChallengesDespite the electoral success of the right-wing populists, forming a government is likely to be challenging. The leaders of the other major parties had already stated in advance that they would not join a coalition led by the PVV. To govern, a coalition needs at least 76 seats in parliament.
Former Christian Democrat Pieter Omtzigt, whose newly formed party "New Social Contract" according to an earlier election exit poll won 20 seats, seemed to deviate from this position and stated that he is "available", although coalition talks "will not be easy".
Frans Timmermans, leader of the left-wing Groenlinks/PvdA alliance, once again ruled out a coalition and said: "Now is the time to defend democracy".
Political EarthquakeA victory for Wilders represents a political earthquake for the Netherlands. The right-wing populist is known as the "Dutch Trump" - not only because of his blonde hair combed back like former US President Donald Trump, but also because of his vitriolic stance against immigrants and Muslims.
During his campaign, the 60-year-old tried to adopt more moderate tones, stating that he wants to be a prime minister for all - "regardless of their religion, their origin, their gender, or whatever".