Netherlands: Mr. Geert Wilders, the anti-Islam populist leader, has secured a dramatic victory in the Dutch general election, with almost all votes counted.
Mr. Wilder’s Freedom Party (PVV) is set to win 37 seats, a substantial lead over its nearest rival, a left-wing alliance. “The PVV can no longer be ignored. We will govern,” Mr. Wilders commented.
However, in order to fulfil his pledge to be “Prime Minister for everyone,” Mr. Wilders needs to persuade other parties to join his coalition to achieve 76 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
“We want to govern, and we will govern. The seat numbers are an enormous compliment but an enormous responsibility too,” the PVV leader noted in his speech.
Before the election, the three other big parties ruled out taking part in a Wilders-led government because of his far-right policies. The left-wing alliance under former EU commissioner Mr. Frans Timmermans came in second with 25 seats.
Mr. Timmermans previously commented that he would have nothing to do with a Wilders-led government, promising to defend Dutch democracy and the rule of law. “We won’t let anyone in the Netherlands go. In the Netherlands, everyone is equal,” Mr. Timmermans told supporters.
The centre-right liberal VVD under new leader Ms. Dilan Yesilgöz came in third, and a brand new party formed by Mr. Pieter Omtzigt came in fourth.
Mr. Wilders made a direct appeal to his political rivals to work together, and both Ms. Yesilgöz and Mr. Omtzigt congratulated him on his success.
Although Ms. Yesilgöz doubts Mr. Wilders will be able to find the numbers he needs, she says it is up to her party colleagues to decide how to respond.
Earlier, Mr. Omtzigt stated that his New Social Contract party would not work with Mr. Wilders, but now he says they are “available to turn this trust of voters into action.”
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