The Far-Right Party 'Freedom' Wins in Dutch Parliamentary Elections

Geert Wilders, the populist leader of the far-right 'Freedom' Party in the Netherlands, is seeking partners to form a coalition government following a significant victory in the parliamentary elections that resonated widely in the country and across Europe. According to reports, the Freedom Party has secured 35 seats out of 150 in the Dutch parliament, more than double its seats from the previous election. Reuters reports that Mr. Wilders, who is a supporter of Viktor Orban, the right-wing Prime Minister of Hungary, has promised to halt immigration to the Netherlands, reduce the country's financial contributions to the European Union, and block the entry of new members to this institution, including Ukraine. The Associated Press also noted that the victory of this far-right, populist, and anti-Islam politician could bring a 'wave of shock to Europe.' According to this report, he has pledged to hold a referendum on the Netherlands' exit from the European Union. The Associated Press also mentioned that Geert Wilders supports the 'de-Islamization' of the Netherlands, although he adopted a milder tone during the campaign compared to the past. The news agency pointed out that the Freedom Party is in the top position to form a coalition government, adding that Geert Wilders is likely to become the first right-wing Prime Minister of the country. Nevertheless, the Freedom Party faces a challenging path to forming such a government, as the main parties in the Netherlands have shown no inclination towards this. However, Pieter Omtzigt, a former member of the centrist Christian Democratic Party who established the new 'Social Contract' party and secured about 20 parliamentary seats, stated that he would always be ready for dialogue. Meanwhile, Frans Timmermans, the leader of the left-leaning Labour and Green Alliance, which is expected to secure 27 seats, emphasized that Wilders should not count on forming a coalition with them. Mr. Timmermans stated, 'We will never form a coalition with parties that pretend that refugees are the source of all miseries.' A man who threatened the Dutch politician over a cartoon contest of the Prophet Muhammad was arrested. Netanyahu, in a meeting with his Dutch counterpart, stated that we are in a battle of 'civilization' against 'barbarism.'