In a major development, Dutch far-right populist Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) are celebrating a major victory in the Netherlands parliamentary election, according to exit polls. Wilders, known for his controversial anti-Islam stances and hardline stance on immigration, defied predictions as his party was projected to secure 35 out of 150 seats in the Dutch Parliament.
The exit polls have also dealt a significant blow to the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose coalition government collapsed earlier this year, prompting the snap election. Rutte’s party finds itself in third place with 23 seats, marking the end of his 13-year rule when all votes are officially counted.
Geert Wilders, who has faced death threats due to his anti-Islam views, made headlines for his support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma, who had made contentious remarks about Prophet Mohammad during a television show last year, drawing condemnation from Gulf countries. In an interview with India Today TV, Wilders defended Sharma and criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its response.
Wilders, who has previously reportedly referred Islam as a “fascist ideology,” has advocated for the banning of mosques and the Quran in the Netherlands. He has lived under heavy police protection for years due to security concerns.
Despite his controversial positions, Wilders shifted his focus during the election campaign to address Dutch citizens’ concerns about the cost of living and strained healthcare infrastructure, toning down his usual anti-Islam rhetoric.
In his victory address following the exit poll results, Wilders pledged to put an end to what he called a “tsunami of asylum and immigration.”
It is pertinent to note that, exit polls in the Netherlands are typically reliable, with a margin of error of approximately two seats. As the official results roll in, Geert Wilders’ remarkable political resurgence will undoubtedly continue to draw attention and spark debate on the international stage.
