Populist Dutch leader Geert Wilders forms a right-wing coalition government, sending shockwaves across Europe. The coalition's focus on immigration and crime reflects growing concerns among voters.
The recent Dutch elections have been dominated by issues of mass migration and high levels of crime, with populist leader Geert Wilders emerging victorious. Wilders' anti-immigration Freedom Party has cobbled together a right-wing coalition government, sending shockwaves across Europe's political establishment.
Political commentator Thomas Corbett-Dillon believes this shift towards right-wing parties is a reflection of the electorate's dissatisfaction with left-wing policies. He claims that young people, in particular, feel their lives have been disrupted by COVID lockdowns and economic challenges, and they are demanding more conservative policies.
Corbett-Dillon notes a similar rise in right-wing parties across Europe, including in Ireland, Sweden, France, Hungary, and Italy. He believes that voters are tired of uncontrolled immigration, rising crime, and the perceived threats of Islamism and the Green agenda.
The coalition agreement formed by the four Dutch coalition parties includes measures targeting immigration, including the deportation of people without valid residence permits. The agreement also seeks to reduce the number of international students in the country.
Wilders, the self-proclaimed "Dutch Donald Trump," has stated that his party will be "at the center of power" despite not serving as prime minister. He has expressed confidence that his core policies will be implemented.
Alan Mendoza, executive director of The Henry Jackson Society, believes that the formation of this government signifies a shift in European politics. He suggests that mainstream parties are now accepting the legitimacy of populist concerns and are willing to cooperate with them.
Wilders, who once advocated for a ban on the Koran and mosques, has moderated some of his more extreme views. He has also withdrawn his support for "Nexit," a Dutch equivalent of Britain's "Brexit."
The new coalition government will also introduce mandatory Holocaust education in Dutch schools, addressing concerns about rising antisemitism in the country.
Former EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans has expressed concern about the new government's policies, particularly the role of Wilders. He has condemned the dominance of a radical right-wing party and has stated that "this country that is so in need of reconciliation and building bridges is now putting someone at the center of power who has been dividing for 20 years."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
