“Geert Wilders seeks coalition after gains; challenges ahead for right wing leadership.”
Right-wing politician Geert Wilders seeks to form a coalition to become the Netherlands’ next prime minister after his party, the Freedom Party (PVV), gained significantly in the recent election. However, building a coalition appears challenging as the VVD Party, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, has refused to join forces with Wilders’ party. Wilders aims to construct the country’s first far-right-led coalition, yet faces obstacles due to the reluctance of mainstream parties.
Wilders’ Freedom Party won 37 out of 150 seats in the Dutch parliament, prompting concerns and protests from various groups. Muslim organizations expressed worries about potential discrimination under a Wilders government, while environmental groups feared policy reversals. Wilders appointed Gom van Strien from his party as a scout to explore viable coalition options.
Despite Wilders’ electoral gains, he needs the support of at least two more mainstream parties to form a government. The VVD and New Social Contract (NSC) are considered potential partners, but both have conditions, such as Wilders abandoning threats to exit the European Union and amending anti-discrimination clauses in the Dutch constitution, for collaboration.
NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt expressed hesitancy about joining a coalition led by Wilders, suggesting uncertainty about cooperation. The Netherlands has a history of lengthy coalition negotiations, with the last forming government taking 299 days.
If Wilders’ efforts fail, alternative centrist coalitions without him could be pursued. Other smaller parties, like the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), are willing to work with Wilders, provided he moderates his party’s extreme positions.
The scout is expected to present findings on potential coalitions on December 5, followed by a parliamentary discussion on December 7, marking the start of the new parliament’s session.
