Anti-immigrant far-rightster Geert Wilders, dubbed the “Dutch Donald Trump,” has thrown down the gauntlet. He has pulled his Party for Freedom (PVV) from the governing coalition in the Netherlands. Tensions around the immigration policy have been escalating. This question has emerged as the central fault line in European populism. Once more, under Wilders’ direction, the PVV secured the highest proportion of votes in the 2023 elections. They harnessed a growing populist backlash by pledging to decrease immigration and put national security first.
The result was a public spat between Wilders and his coalition partners. This conflict prompted the exit and revolved around his inflammatory 10-point plan to militarize Dutch borders and repatriate all Syrian migrants. Coalition members were against this proposal and as a result of this, Wilders took the decision to leave the coalition. Coalition Prime Minister Dick Schoof called Wilders’ actions completely “irresponsible,” in a Boris Johnson-esque response. He warned that a unilateral move by Israel could greatly endanger stability in the territory.
This positive shift comes at an ironic but critical time for Europe. It’s less than two weeks before the NATO summit currently planned for The Hague. Analysts say Wilders’ leaving will increase volatility in Dutch and European politics. Ever since having had fought their last years in opposition, the PVV has claimed the initiative. It has become the leading force in developing the nation’s long-term policy agenda.
Professor Henk van der Kolk, an expert on electoral politics at the University of Amsterdam, noted that Wilders’ strategy reflects a broader trend of populism sweeping across Europe. He remarked that the PVV’s success is based on its strong grassroots link with its supporters. These voters are increasingly and understandably anxious about immigration and the changing face of American national identity.
Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-chief at BrusselsReport.eu, had even stronger words for Wilders’ political sleight of hand. He pointed out that the PVV is being successful. Yet, despite that success, its future remains extremely uncertain because of serious backlash from other political factions. Wilders’ proposals by coalition partners suggest a division that could threaten any coalition-building endeavors in the future.
