Geert Wilders' Path to Powerership Seems Murky After Liberal Refusal
Dutch Liberals refuse to collaborate with right-wing populist, Geert Wilders
In the wake of the Dutch coalition's demise, the prospects of Geert Wilders reclaiming a significant role in government appear slim as potential partners shut the door on collaboration with the radical right-wing populist. The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a previous key ally of Wilders' extremist Party for Freedom (PVV), has categorically refused to work with him. VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgoz, running as the top candidate in the forthcoming elections, stated that he cannot collaborate with such a provocative politician as Wilders [1].
Historically, the VVD and the Christian Democratic Party (CDA) have shied away from or outright refused coalitions with Geert Wilders and his PVV. Ideological divergences, concerns about governance, policy disputes, and strategic political motives have consistently played a part in this choice [1]. Wilders' infamous hardline stance on immigration and Islam usually clashes with the more moderate views of the VVD and CDA [4].
In the past, joining forces with Wilders has proven to be unpredictable, with his abrupt withdrawal of support from Mark Rutte's minority government in 2012 that led Rutte to rule out future coalitions with the PVV [4]. This past event has reinforced the VVD's desire for a steady right-wing liberal administration without the PVV's radical agenda [4].
Aside from policy disagreements, the recent coalition breakup stemmed from a bitter conflict over asylum policies, with Wilders pushing for tougher migration policies that were not supported by his coalition partners [2][5]. Wilders' sudden exit has been questioned by opponents, who argue that it was more about political manipulation than genuine policy disagreements [4].
By alienating themselves from the PVV, the VVD and CDA may be attempting to cater to a broader electorate leery of Wilders' extreme views. This strategic move can help maintain a more moderate political image and engage voters who prefer less radical policies [1][4].
Currently, only minuscule right-wing parties remain as potential partners, making a governing majority unlikely based on the present polls [4]. It remains to be seen if Wilders can maneuver his way back into power after the upcoming elections on October 29th, or if the VVD and the Dutch political landscape will continue to shun his hardline politics.
Sources: [1] ntv.de, [2] dpa, [3] politico.eu, [4] theguardian.com, [5] europarl.europa.eu
- Despite the upcoming elections, the community policy, employment policy, and political stance of Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom (PVV) continue to face resistance from the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), as well as other parties, due to ideological differences and policy-and-legislation disputes, particularly in areas such as immigration and asylum policies.
- In the wake of the Dutch coalition's demise, the prospects of hardline policies related to war-and-conflicts and general news being enacted are uncertain, as potential partners avoid collaborating with Geert Wilders and his PVV, which has a history of unpredictable behavior and political manipulation.
