THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Geert Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, has announced that he does not have the support of his potential coalition partners to become the next Dutch prime minister. Despite his party’s stunning victory in the November election, Wilders took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment.
Wilders stated, “I can only become premier if ALL parties in the coalition support that. That wasn’t the case.” This comes following reports from unnamed sources indicated that a breakthrough in coalition talks announced on Tuesday night was that the leaders of all four parties involved in the negotiations would retain their positions in parliament.
While it appears that Wilders will not lead the government, his Party for Freedom will continue to be a driving force behind the next administration. This sets up the likelihood of a technical Cabinet comprised of experts. Wilders, undeterred, conveyed his determination to one day become prime minister, adding, “Don’t forget: I will still become premier of the Netherlands. With the support of even more Dutch people. If not tomorrow, then the day following tomorrow. Because the voice of millions of Dutch people will be heard!”
Despite the Party for Freedom holding 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of the Dutch parliament following the November elections, the combined seats of the four parties in the coalition talks give them a comfortable majority of 88 seats. Additionally, polls have shown ongoing support for Wilders’ party since the election.
For years, a shift to the right has been witnessed in European politics, and Wilders’ election victory came as a shock to the Netherlands and beyond. Wilders has been known for his anti-Islamic rhetoric, advocating for bans on mosques, Islamic schools, and even the Quran. However, in January, he withdrew draft legislation proposing these bans to accommodate his potential coalition partners.
The rise of populist far-right parties in Europe has been a notable trend, and the same is expected in the June elections for the European Union’s parliament. Portugal’s recent inconclusive election also saw the emergence of the populist Chega party, which might serve as a kingmaker. Right-wing parties across the continent have found common ground and support.
Wilders recently engaged in talks with the leaders of the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, the populist Farmer Citizen Movement, and the centrist New Social Contract. However, with New Social Contract leader Pieter Omtzigt ruling out joining a majority Cabinet led by Wilders, the four parties will likely consider alternative options such as a Cabinet of experts and politicians or a minority Cabinet supported by Omtzigt’s party.
The Netherlands may seek inspiration from Italy, which has a history of forming “technical” governments led by figures outside the traditional party structure. These expert-led governments are often called upon during times of economic instability or political deadlock, prior to fresh elections.
In conclusion, the prospects of Geert Wilders becoming the next Dutch prime minister have diminished, as he lacks the support of his prospective coalition partners. However, the Party for Freedom will continue to exert influence in the next administration. The rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe is a growing trend, and the current political landscape reflects this shift. As the Netherlands navigates its political stalemate, it may draw lessons from Italy’s approach. The implications of these developments are far-reaching, with potential future trends and emerging alliances shaping the European political landscape. The outcome of this coalition negotiation will have implications not only for the Netherlands but also for the wider political landscape of Europe.
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