A Wilders victory would be a “nightmare for Brussels.”
On Wednesday, November 22, early parliamentary elections were held in the Netherlands. According to the exit poll, the far-right Freedom Party (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, won. She is likely to win 37 seats in the lower house of parliament.
“PVV can no longer be ignored. We will govern the country,” the politician said.
What the odious Geert Wilders became famous for and what consequences his victory will have – find out in the TSN.ua material.
What is known about Wilders' position?
As The Guardian notes, Wilders is an outspoken Eurosceptic and has long advocated for the Dutch government to regain control of the country's borders. We are talking, in particular, about reducing immigration and payments to the union budget, as well as vetoing any further expansion of the EU. Moreover, in the context of our state, the politician:
Wilders is an opponent of Islam and has been under 24-hour protection since 2004 due to fears of persecution by extremists due to his controversial statements. In 2016, the politician was found guilty of racial discrimination and insulting an ethnic group at a rally of his party – he called Moroccans “scum.” Even earlier, in 2011, he was accused under the same article, but was acquitted by the court. At the time, Wilders spoke about the “militant nature of Islam” and called for a ban on Muslim immigration.
It should be noted that the high level of support for his party among the population of the Netherlands is explained precisely by Wilders’ anti-migration position. The fact is that the Dutch are not satisfied with the fact that Moroccans live in the country and do not work, but their needs are financed by citizens' taxes. The politician decided to play on this.
Wilders promised to be a “prime minister for everyone” in the Netherlands, regardless of their religion, background, gender or anything else, adding that costs of living were a bigger priority.
In addition, the Dutch politician has repeatedly expressed his passion for former US President Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, who is right now blocking EU aid to Ukraine. Wilders has been called a true “fan” of Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, who opposes “hysterical Russophobia.”
“The EU's Worst Horror”
Politico notes: Geert Wilders will definitely not become a friend of Brussels. However, it is not yet clear whether he will be able to assemble a coalition.
“Even if Dutch voters are not persuaded to follow Britain's lead in leaving the EU, all signs are that a Wilders-led government in The Hague will continue to be a nightmare for Brussels,” analysts said.
So, if Wilders is willing to give up his demand for a referendum in exchange for power, his victory will still send tremors through EU institutions. If centrist parties unite in order to prevent Wilders, the publication notes, he may have to pay with the anger of Dutch voters.
Related topics:
More news
