🇳🇱 Far-Right Geert Wilders’ Party Wins Dutch Election, Proposes Mosque Closures and Quran Ban

In recent weeks, Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) has surged in the polls, with the party now leading the Dutch election. The lead candidate for the center-right liberals, Dilan Yesilgöz, initially stated at the beginning of the campaign that she would not rule out Wilders as a coalition partner. However, outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, also a center-right liberal, consistently rejected any collaboration with Wilders. Wilders’ platform includes controversial proposals such as the closure of all mosques and a ban on the Quran. Despite adopting a more moderate tone during the campaign, emphasizing a focus on closing borders for asylum seekers rather than anti-Islamic measures, Wilders remains a polarizing figure.

According to projections, Yesilgöz and Rutte’s liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) are expected to secure 23 seats, a decrease of eleven mandates. The alliance led by former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans, comprising Greens and Social Democrats, is projected to gain 26 seats, a nine-seat increase. The recently formed New Social Contract (NSC) party, led by former Christian Democrat Pieter Omtzigt, is predicted to secure 20 seats.

The formation of the post-election government remains uncertain. Omtzigt has ruled out collaboration with Wilders due to his allegedly unconstitutional positions. Yesilgöz, on the other hand, does not explicitly rule out cooperation but expresses reservations about entering a government under Wilders’ leadership.

The snap parliamentary election became necessary after Rutte’s center-right coalition collapsed after just 18 months in office, prompted by disagreements over migration policy. Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, announced his departure from national politics and aims to become NATO Secretary-General. However, he will remain in office until a new government is formed. Over 13 million eligible voters participated in the election on Wednesday.

Additionally, there are speculations that Wilders might advocate for a Nexit Referendum by 2024, pushing for the Netherlands to exit the European Union.

In a concerning development, Wilders’ extensive visits to Israel—over 40 times—raise questions about his potential influence by the Israeli lobby in Dutch politics.