2023. November 24 – 19:57
The largest party in the previous Dutch government, the right-wing liberal VVD, has ruled out the possibility of entering into a coalition with the far-right party led by Geert Wilders, known for its anti-Muslim statements, which surprisingly won a majority of votes. The Dutch elections are on Wednesday, The Guardian reports BBC. Previously, the party was not shy about forming a government with Wilders’ party.
This significantly reduced Geert Wilders’ chances of obtaining a majority in the 150-member Dutch Parliament.
The Progressive People’s Party won 37 seats in the elections, but it will need 76 deputies to form the government.
Dylan Yeşilgoz, head of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, said they would not participate in the next government because “voters sent a clear message.” The party president favors the formation of a center-right government, but his party is also prepared to support the work of a minority government.
The VVD won 10 fewer seats than in the 2021 elections, but with its 24 representatives, it will remain the third largest faction in the Dutch parliament.
Geert Wilders stated that he was very disappointed by the VVD’s decision. According to his claim, the former ruling party took this decision without participating in the coalition negotiations for even a minute.
Wilders’ last hope may be a new social contract, as his recently formed center-right party won twenty seats in the elections. The PvdA/GL, which holds the second largest number of seats, has ruled out the possibility of entering into a coalition with Wilders.