Why the Dutch Hammer Echoes Cheers in Moscow
Wilders' Surprise Victory and the Kremlin's Delight
Upset, yet elated, Geert Wilders (60) bellowed to his supporters, "We snatched 37 seats! Can you believe it?" And in Moscow, champagne corks popped just as widely in celebration. The controversial leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV) had just triumphed in the Dutch elections, a win that was worst-case scenario for some and music to the ears of Russian despot Vladimir Putin.
The Dutch representatives of the red-green alliance, formerly EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans, and the right-wing liberal VVD, however, could only look on in disbelief as they placed 25 and 24 seats, respectively.
Unraveling the Dutch Election Quake
Geert Wilders: The Dutch Trump
Referred to as the "Dutch Trump," Wilders has mastered the art of self-promotion by appropriating Trump's successful slogans. He laid the groundwork for his one-man party in 2006, leaving the right-wing liberal VVD under controversial circumstances.
Controversy and Isolation
Wilders' rigorous position on Islam had made him controversial, with calls for a complete ban on mosques and the Koran scrunching his approval ratings. Critics accuse him of unfoundedly denigrating Moroccan immigrants as "garbage."
Apologist for Putin
Wilders' hostile stance towards Islam also extends to Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, with whom he shares a particular affinity. Invited by the Kremlin to speak in the Duma, Wilders has also appeared frequently on the Russian state TV channel, RT, to discuss his views on the EU and Ukraine, even months after Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Putin's Gain-Wilders' Win?
Putin's Russia hailed Wilders' landmark victory, shrugging off critics who warned of Putin's geopolitical ambitions. Russian state television vigorously depicted Wilders as the sole hope for a Russian-friendly government, predicting that Wilders would weaken the NATO alliance and the EU, ultimately benefiting Putin's long-game objectives.
Wilders' Agenda for a "Nexit"
A Controversial Proposal
Employing a "binding referendum," Wilders proposed the swift withdrawal of the Netherlands from the EU. To fortify his position, he even photographed himself with guilder flowers, which local artists had illuminated with Wilder's stoic visage.
A New Political Dynamic in Europe
If successful, Wilders' "Nexit" would not only uproot the political establishment within the Netherlands but also send shockwaves across Europe, potentially influencing democratic processes. Specifically, Marine Le Pen's National Rally party in France, which relies heavily on anti-migrant and anti-EU rhetoric, might seek to capitalize on the Netherlands' political upheaval, potentially fostering a larger movement in opposition to European integration.
Controversy, Consensus, and the Global Impact of Geert Wilders' Victory
If Wilders' "Nexit" becomes a reality, the Netherlands' exit from the EU would have a significant impact beyond the confines of Western Europe, with lingering effects on both global trade relations and geopolitical dynamics.
- Challenging European Consensus: In the context of geopolitical tensions and West-East relations, the Netherlands' decision to leave the EU would deal another blow to European unity, potentially leading to a further fracturing of regional consensus on critical issues.
- The Role of Russia: The taut relationship between the Netherlands and Russia takes on an even more significant role as Wilders' PVV actively supports Putin's regime. The Dutch shift towards a pro-Putin stance would ignite concerns among Western nations regarding Russian influence in Western democracies.
- Economic Consequences: Depending on the shape of subsequent trade agreements, a Netherlands departure from the EU could translate into different tariffs on various goods, impacting everything from European tomatoes and tulips to Dutch cheeses like Gouda. Additional logistical difficulties resulting from the shuttered border could exacerbate problems with cross-border traffic.
As the world waits to see what unfolds, Geert Wilders' victory embodies a profound turning point in Dutch politics. Whether seeking to dismantle the EU, forming a new alliance with Putin, or challenging the status quo in global relations, the implications for decades to come linger tantalizingly in the balance.
Enrichment Data
The political landscape in the Netherlands has shifted dramatically as Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) triumphed in the 2023 Dutch general election. This victory represented a far-right rebranding of Dutch politics, causing unease among Western nations and influencing international relations and geopolitical tensions, particularly as it pertains to Russia's presence and influence within Europe. In the wake of these election results, experts and analysts have weighed in to examine the consequences of this political sea change.
Shifting the Balance of Power in the Netherlands
To better understand the impact of Wilders' success, it is crucial to remember the historical patterns and contributions of the three main political forces in Dutch democracy: the PVV, the New Social Contract (NSC), and the joint PvdA/GL ticket.
The Red-Green Alliance and Frans Timmermans
Established in 2017 through the merger of the PvdA (Dutch Labour Party) and the Green Left (GL), the joint ticket of the red-green alliance represented the center-left's last-ditch effort to maintain its grip on Dutch politics. Although they secured 25 seats in the elections, the red-green alliance was not strong enough to form a coalition government.
The Right-Wing Liberal VVD
As the traditional hegemon of Dutch politics, the VVD has competed with the PVV in recent elections but maintained a more moderate and centrist approach to many of the issues at hand. Consequently, their defeat in the 2023 Norwegian elections was particularly disheartening.
Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom
While Wilders' victory was widely expected mentions in the media, few anticipated its magnitude. The win shocked critics, supporters, and competitors alike, leaving many to question just how far the wave of populism would extend across European democracies.
The Impact of Wilders' Win on European Politics
The West's Shift to the Right
In line with the rise of the populist movement in Europe, PVV's victory added fuel to the fire, providing inspiration and motivation to like-minded political leaders in the neighboring European Union countries. As a result, neo-nationalist parties and leaders gain more influence, and public disillusionment with the EU's traditional institutions grows.
From Isolation to a Coalition
Despite the challenges faced by Wilders in forming a government, he was able to strike a deal with the New Social Contract (NSC) and the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). Although the PVV did not assume the government, their influence in shaping the political agenda could prove profound; governments remain accountable to their constituents.
European Unity Takes a Hit
In recent years, political setbacks plagued the European Union as disruptive populist movements emerged in multiple European nations. Wilders' victory is a particularly stinging blow to the EU, as the Netherlands was traditionally one of the Union's strongest supporters. Internal debates highlighting EU's role in resolving the immigration crisis, economic disparities, and international challenges now loom on the horizon.
The Impact of Wilders' Win on International Politics
Russia Overcomes Isolation
Wilders' sympathetic stance towards Russia and Putin's geopolitical ambitions brought hope to Moscow, who perceived the Dutch politician as an ideal ally in its mission to challenge Western dominance. After successful efforts to infiltrate the EU and NATO through sympathy and idealism, Russia now contemplates the prospect of strengthening ties with nationalist regimes across Europe.
A New Era for International Relations
In this nascent stage of international relations, the leadership of geopolitical superpowers will face unprecedented challenges, requiring new strategies and approaches to formulate alliances and stabilize the global situation. As a result, cooperation and compromise will become essential components in this new diplomatic landscape.
The Future of European Democracy
The alignment between Geert Wilders and Russia's Vladimir Putin sheds light on the questionable nature of strongman leaders who seek to boost their own popularity by clandestinely aligning themselves with a foreign power. The impact of such leaders on the democratic process and the future of European democracy, in particular, is a cause for concern among democratic supporters across Europe.
Conclusion
The collapse of the traditional political order brought about by the rise of populist movements in Europe is undoubtedly a significant and unforeseen development. From Lief-Erik Prins' Dutch Airlines ride, to Geert Wilders' triumphant victory in the 2023 general elections, the few years ahead will be filled with uncertainty, trial and error, and new likely surprises.
To navigate the intricacies of this future, legislators, policymakers, and citizens alike must prioritize striving for greater empathy, understanding, and tolerance in their approach to the most pressing political and social issues facing this new era. Ultimately, fostering a more informed and unified citizenry is paramount to pushing back against the tide of extremism and re-establishing stability in the wake of these transformative events.
