A complicated start for the Dutch far right.
A month after coming first in the legislative elections, the Freedom Party (PVV), identified as Islamophobic, finds itself struggling to form a government coalition.
The New Social Contract (NSC) of Pieter Omtzigt, located in the center right of the Dutch political spectrum, announced that it had “finished” with this round of negotiations because of a dispute over public finances, which makes it impossible for Geert Wilders, winner of the elections, to form a government majority.
VIDEO.
Netherlands: Geert Wilders' far right wins legislative elections
The NSC said in a letter to its members that it would remain "constructive" in negotiations but appeared to rule out the possibility of sitting in a majority government with Geert Wilders.
Anti-Islam and climate skeptic party
“This could be constructive support for a minority government for example,” the party said.
Geert Wilders won the legislative elections in November with an anti-Islam, climate-sceptical manifesto, causing shock waves in the Netherlands and beyond.
But, unlike what happens in the United Kingdom for example, the leader of the victorious party does not automatically take the reins of the country.
In the highly fragmented Dutch political system, where no party is strong enough to govern alone, exiting the polls generally marks the start of months of negotiations.
Geert Wilders has started negotiations with three other parties, but without the NSC and its 20 seats out of 150 in Parliament, he has no chance of forming a majority government.
Mr. Omtzigt had already expressed his disagreement with parts of Mr. Wilders' manifesto considered unconstitutional, such as its anti-Islam elements, but also with plans for "Nexit", or an exit of the Netherlands from the EU.
Ongelooflijk wat teleurstellend.
Nederland wil dit kabinet en nu gooit Pieter #Omtzigt de handdoek in de ring terwijl we tot vandaag nog in gesprek waren.
Ik begrijp er helemaal niets van.
#format
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) February 6, 2024
“Incredibly disappointing,” Geert Wilders wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“The Netherlands wants this government and now Pieter Omtzigt is throwing in the towel while we were still in talks until today.
I don’t understand at all,” he added.