The Netherlands today elects the Parliament from which the successor to Mark Rutte will emerge as head of the country’s government, a position that the VDD liberal held for thirteen years, the greatest example of longevity in Dutch politics and that in his own will ended when in August , he announced his departure from politics and early elections due to disagreements in the coalition on immigration. The main candidates are Dilan Yesilgöz, Rutte’s successor at the head of the Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Frans Timmermans, from the alliance of Greens and PvdA (GL-PvdA) and Geert Wilders, from the Party for Freedom (PVV). ), but none of them should get the 20% needed to govern alone.
The last I&O poll before the elections, published yesterday, technically put these three political forces on par, despite a small advantage for Wilders’ far-right party. The PVV then emerged forecast to win 28 seats (out of a total of 150), two more than Monday’s figures, while the VVD and GL-PvdA maintained the possible victory of 27 deputies each. To take into account is the margin of error of three places. The new NSC yesterday maintained its forecast to elect 21 delegates, losing touch with the battle between the first three.
Yet a lot can still change, because this survey shows that 63% have not yet made a decision. It should be noted that 26 parties will vote today, but only 17 parties have a chance of electing delegates.
Given this scenario, it is most likely, and as is common in the Netherlands, that none of the major parties will win a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government with at least three or more parties.
This process could take months – Rutte needed a record 299 days to form his fourth and final government in 2021 – and much will depend on the willingness, or not, to count on Wilders in a governing coalition.
Dilan Yesilgöz stated yesterday morning in an interview with NPO Radio 1 that he will not be part of a government led by Geert Wilders. “First of all, I don’t see Wilders coming in first,” said the leader of the Liberals, who could become the first woman to lead an executive branch in the Netherlands. “I think the Dutch are looking for a leader of the country who can connect with the people, who keeps things together, who is there for all Dutch people, and who can also lead our country internationally… and I don’t see it Wilders forms a majority. I don’t see that happening and I’m not going to. A Prime Minister of Wilders would not be good for this country.”
Yet Yesilgöz says he is willing to talk to the far-right leader about forming a coalition if his VVD is the party with the most votes, “but it is clear that there are big differences between the VVD and Timmermans and the VVD and Wilders” .
The truth is that, according to the newspaper VolksrantDilan Yesilgöz’s supporters are more critical of the left-wing coalition led by Timmermans than of Wilders. About 70% of liberal voters even want a coalition with the extreme right, according to data from a poll by EenVandaag.
Frans Timmermans did not comment on possible coalitions yesterday, but preferred to speak to the 63% of undecided voters. “We are so close. Something fundamental is at stake. That is why we say to all progressive, green and social voters: do not remain indifferent, unite. These elections are in your hands,” he wrote in X.
Wilders used the same social network to urge people to vote, making no mention of post-election scenarios.
From immigrant to novice leader
Dilan Yesilgoz (VVD) The Minister of Justice has been an immigrant until now, but wants to introduce measures such as abolishing permanent residence and granting citizenship only after ten years.
Frans Timmermans (GL-PvdA) In August he left the vice-presidency of the European Commission to stand as a candidate for these parliamentary elections. It is proposed to reduce polluting emissions and increase the minimum wage.
Geert Wilders (PVV) He supported Mark Rutte’s first cabinet between 2010 and 2012, but last year he withdrew his parliamentary support due to disagreements over budget cuts. He is known for his criticism of Islam and the EU.
Pieter Omtzigt (NSC) He founded the NSC this year and presents himself as conservative on immigration and the environment, but as left-wing on reducing poverty and improving health care.
Source: DN
