Dutch Election: Wilders’ Far-Right Party Poised for Significant Gains

Dutch elections witness at least three parties competing in tight race for top position Far-right, left, up in recent polls, indicating potential new PM

Polls show that the Dutch election on Wednesday is a close race, with at least three parties – including the far right – vying for the top spot. The voters’ choices could have a critical impact on the country’s immigration and climate policies, as well as its relations with the European Union partners.

The latest poll published before the election revealed the Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders tied for the lead with the conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. This was followed by a joint Labour/Green ticket. The downfall of Rutte’s previous government, which lasted for 13 years, was mainly triggered by the issue of immigration, which has emerged as a crucial aspect of the ongoing campaign.

The voting process took place at various polling stations, including the famous Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums and surprisingly, even a petting zoo. It was observed that no party is on track to secure more than 20% of the vote and with a significant number of Dutch voters still undecided, multiple possible scenarios are speculated to unfold.

The Netherlands could be set to welcome its first female prime minister with the current Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, a Turkish immigrant known for her stringent stance on immigration, vying to take over from Rutte. On the other hand, there are hopes for a possible alliance between Yesilgoz and the far right.

The Netherlands, being a founding member of the EU and with Rutte’s significant influence in EU summits, has heightened the interest of the fellow EU leaders in the election outcome. Several parties on the right have proposed seeking exemptions from the bloc’s rules on agriculture and immigration.

On the other hand, a referendum from Hungary’s Victor Orban, Geert Wilders, has openly stated his anti-EU sentiment and the need for the Netherlands to take back control of its borders.

The election results are a crucial matter, not only for the Netherlands but also for the EU. The outcome could potentially shape a hard-right coalition with strict anti-immigration policies. Nonetheless, a successful showing for the far right could lead to a hard-right coalition with a strong anti-immigration line, despite his efforts to soften his image in hopes of entering the government.

The election has a lot at stake, including climate policies that can potentially affect the living standards in the country. Pieter Omtzigt, a centrist who founded his own party after breaking with the Christian Democrats, is likely to play a crucial role in the election. While the voting booths closed at 9 p.m., coalition talks could extend for months before the new government is formed. As the tradition, the party with the most seats does not guarantee delivering the prime minister. The guardian, Rutte, will remain in a caretaker position until a new government is installed.

In summary, voters are looking forward to significant changes in the country’s leadership while the EU is keeping an eye on the election outcome, which could greatly influence relationships within the European Union.

Reference