The Hague, Netherlands (AP) — Often compared to former US President Donald Trump, Geert Wilders has faced threats from Islamic extremists, legal trouble for insulting Moroccans, and once being barred from entering Britain for his controversial views. Now, Wilders has secured a commanding victory in the Dutch election, positioning himself to form the next ruling coalition and potentially become the Netherlands’ next prime minister.
An exit poll revealing his landslide seemed to shock even the 60-year-old political veteran Wilders. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he reacted to the results with evident surprise.
Wilders, known for his fiery rhetoric and shock of peroxide blond hair, has drawn comparisons to Trump. However, unlike the former US president, Wilders has spent most of his political career in opposition.
The only time Wilders came close to governing was when he supported a coalition formed by Prime Minister Mark Rutte in 2010. But after 18 months, he brought it down in a dispute over austerity measures. Since then, mainstream parties have shunned him.
However, after securing a commanding position with 35 seats in the lower house of parliament, Wilders is now in a fantastic position to cooperate with other parties. Whether he can piece together a stable coalition with former political foes remains to be seen.
His fiery anti-Islam rhetoric has not only alienated mainstream politicians but also made him a target for extremists, leading to round-the-clock protection for years. His controversial views have also resulted in him living under the shadow of potential threats in safe houses.
To attract mainstream voters, Wilders has toned down his anti-Islam rhetoric and focused on tackling hot-button domestic issues such as housing shortages, cost-of-living crisis, and healthcare access. However, he still advocates for policies like a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union and “no Islamic schools, Qurans, and mosques.”
Before making his successful foray into politics with his own Party for Freedom, Wilders was a member of the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. He also expressed support for Israel and his pets, two cats, Snoetje and Pluisje, who have their own social media following.
The unprecedented rise of Geert Wilders in Dutch politics has elicited controversy, making it a significant event in the country’s history. His vision for the future and the impact of his potential leadership will undoubtedly shape the Netherlands for years to come.
