Netherlands General Election: Anti-Islam Populist Wilders Seeks Coalition Partners after Shock Win

Nov 23, 2023 | Anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders said Thursday he is ready to join the next Dutch coalition government after he surged to a huge election victory that marked a stunning lurch to the far right for a nation once famed as a beacon of tolerance. FRANCE 24's European Affairs Editor Armen Georgian tells us more.

Populist Geert Wilders Emerges as Winner in the Dutch Elections, Might Fall Short of Governing

Nov 23, 2023 | The party of far-right populist Geert Wilders is set to emerge as the largest force after elections in the Netherlands. Early results point to the Freedom Party winning 35 of the 150 seats in parliament. Many other parties have ruled out working with Wilders and his party.

Anti-Islam Populist Geert Wilders Wins Dutch Election | BBC News

Nov 23, 2023 | Geert Wilders, a veteran anti-Islam populist leader, has won a dramatic victory in the Dutch general election, according to the latest forecast. After 25 years in parliament, his Freedom party (PVV) is set to win 37 seats, well ahead of his nearest rival, a left-wing alliance. "The PVV can no longer be ignored," he said. His win has shaken Dutch politics and it will send a shock across Europe too.

Netherlands Election | Geert Wilders Won Dutch Elections with His Anti-Islamist Campaign | N18V

Nov 23, 2023 | The far-right, anti-Islam party of firebrand politician Geert Wilders has won a stunning victory in the Dutch election, partial results showed on Wednesday, a political bombshell that will resound in Europe and around the world. His PVV (Freedom Party) won 35 seats in parliament, a landslide according to initial results and a generally reliable exit poll. A left-wing bloc trailed far behind on 25 seats, with the centre-right party on 24.

Geert Wilders: The Dutch Far-right Figurehead Sending a Chill across Europe

GUARDIAN EUROPE: After 20 years as a political outlier, the leader of the anti-immigration Freedom party is closer to power than ever before

Known for his distinctive platinum-blond hairstyle and his aggressive anti-Islam and anti-immigration rhetoric, Geert Wilders has been catapulted by the Dutch elections to the place he loves most to be: at the centre of attention.

In a political earthquake, Wilders’ Freedom party was on course late on Wednesday to win the most votes in the country’s parliamentary elections, opening the way for the politician to play a key role in the formation of the next government after an election dominated by debate over immigration.

From describing Islam as “an ideology of a retarded culture” and calling Moroccans “scum”, Wilders, who is often compared to former US president Donald Trump for his inflammatory rhetoric and use of social media, has long been a prominent fixture in the European far-right landscape. » | Pjotr Sauer in Amsterdam | Thursday, November 23, 2023

How Europe’s far right is marching steadily into the mainstream: Whether in Italy, Spain, France or Finland, parties that were once outcasts are fast gaining respectability – and power »

EN FRANÇAIS :

Pays-Bas : l’extrême droite de Geert Wilders remporte les législatives, selon les sondages sortie des urnes : Le PVV (Parti de la Liberté) a obtenu autour de 35 sièges et une victoire électorale confortable, selon l’institut Ipsos, contre 26 pour l’alliance de gauche. Le VVD de centre droit a remporté 23 sièges. Une coalition a besoin de 76 sièges pour gouverner. »

Far-right Populist Geert Wilders Leads Dutch Election, Says Exit Polls • FRANCE 24 English

Nov 22, 2023 | The far-right, anti-Islam party of firebrand politician Geert Wilders has won the Dutch election, exit polls suggested Wednesday, a political earthquake that will be felt far beyond the country's borders.

Anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders wins Dutch election: Far-Right political veteran, 60, predicted to take majority after campaign demanding a Nexit referendum and ‘zero asylum seekers’ »

Far-Right Leader Wilders Leads Dutch Poll on Eve of Election

BLOOMBERG: Wilders jumped in polls this week after key televised debates / Center-right, left parties are close behind in polls

Dutch far-right populist Geert Wilders jumped to first place in the latest survey ahead of elections on Wednesday, setting the stage for him to enter government.

His Freedom Party is projected to gain 28 seats in parliament, just one seat more than the two parties currently tied for second place, according to an I&O Research poll published Tuesday.

The surge comes on the heels of recent televised debates featuring Wilders, who promotes anti-Muslim views and has lived under police protection for two decades following death threats. » | Cagan Koc | Posted: Monday, November 20, 2023; updated: Tuesday, November 21, 2023

While Writing Anti-Islam Book, He Became Muslim! - The Story of Joram Van Klaveren

Sep 15, 2022 | How did Joram Van Klaveren became a Muslim? In this interview, he tells us about his journey to Islam. …

Ex-Far Right, Devout Christian Dutchman, Joram van Klaveren, Talks about Why People Are Converting to Islam | #shorts

Click here to find out his surprising answer to the phenomenon.
Far-right Dutch politician converts to Islam: In a move that surprised many of his friends and colleagues, former far-right Dutch politician Joram van Klaveren has converted to Islam. As a former member of Geert Wilders' PPV party he now says he was wrong. »

Dutch PM Mark Rutte to Leave Politics after Collapse of Government

THE GUARDIAN: Netherlands’ longest serving PM announces decision after his coalition resigned on Friday

The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, the Netherlands’ longest serving premier, said on Monday he would leave politics after a general election sparked by his government’s resignation.

His decision means the end of more than 13 years in power for the conservative leader sometimes called Teflon Mark because scandals that plagued his four different administrations did not stick to him. » | Associated Press in The Hague | Monday, July 10, 2023

Related video here.

Dutch PM Rutte Resigns after Coalition Splits over Migration | DW News

Jul 8, 2023 | Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced his resignation, after his governing coalition fell apart. The four parties failed to agree on measures to address immigration. Crisis talks between partners fell apart late Friday evening. Rutte is the Netherlands' longest-serving leader. His government will stay on in caretaker mode, until new elections later this year.

Dutch King Apologizes for the Netherlands' Role in Slavery | DW News

Jul 1, 2023 | King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has apologized for his country's role in slavery.

The Netherlands is commemorating the anniversary of the country's abolition of slavery. Speculation had been growing that the king would offer an apology on behalf of the royal house. Last year Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized for the country's involvement in the slave trade and slavery, but stopped short of offering compensation to descendants of enslaved people.

It is part of a wider reckoning with colonial histories in the West that have been spurred in recent years by the Black Lives Matter movement. DW correspondent Christine Mhundwa has more.


Related article here.

Dutch King Apologises for Country’s Historical Involvement in Slavery

THE GUARDIAN: On day to remember 160th anniversary of abolition of slavery in Netherlands, Willem-Alexander says racism is still a problem

‘I make this apology myself. And I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul,’ said King Willem-Alexander in a speech in Amsterdam on Saturday. Photograph: Reuters
The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has apologised for the Netherlands’ historical involvement in slavery and the effects that it still has today.

The king was speaking in Amsterdam on the 160th anniversary of the legal abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, including in former colonies in the Caribbean.

In an emotional speech, he said: “On this day that we remember the Dutch history of slavery, I ask forgiveness for this crime against humanity. As your king and as a member of the government, I make this apology myself. And I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul.”

He said racism in Dutch society was still a problem and not everyone would support his apology. However, “the times have changed and keti koti … the chains have truly been broken,” he said to cheers and applause from thousands of onlookers at the national slavery monument in Oosterpark. » | Donna Ferguson and agency | Saturday, July 1, 2023

Spectacular Colorized Film of the Beginning of the German Occupation of The Netherlands during WW II

Premiered Apr 23, 2023

Joram van Klaveren: From the Dutch Far-right to Islam | The InnerView

Dec 19, 2022 | When a far-right Dutch politician set about trying to write a book to debunk the “evil ideology” of Islam, he began a journey that saw him becoming a Muslim. Joram van Klaveren, once seen as the heir apparent to anti-Islam ideologue Geert Wilders, speaks to The InnerView about disavowing his previous views and “falling in love” with Islam.

Pride Month 2021: Defying Nazi Persecution | Reupload

Jul 6, 2021 | It was a daring and dangerous mission. To try to protect the true identities of Jews and resistance fighters hiding behind false ID cards, members of a Dutch resistance group knew they had to destroy the originals. Dressed as policemen, they entered the Amsterdam Registry and set off explosions that burned 800,000 identity cards. During this digital program, Museum experts told the stories of Frieda Belinfante, one of Europe’s first female conductors and a lesbian, and painter Willem Arondeus, a gay man and a leader of this group of artists turned resisters.

Speaker
Dr. Klaus Mueller, European Representative, International Archival Programs, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Host
Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Pride Month 2021: Defying Nazi Persecution

Jul 6, 2021 | It was a daring and dangerous mission. To try to protect the true identities of Jews and resistance fighters hiding behind false ID cards, members of a Dutch resistance group knew they had to destroy the originals. Dressed as policemen, they entered the Amsterdam Registry and set off explosions that burned 800,000 identity cards. During this digital program, Museum experts told the stories of Frieda Belinfante, one of Europe’s first female conductors and a lesbian, and painter Willem Arondeus, a gay man and a leader of this group of artists turned resisters.

Speaker
Dr. Klaus Mueller, European Representative, International Archival Programs, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Host
Dr. Edna Friedberg, Historian, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Covid: Dutch Accept Life within 'Lockdown-lite'

People in Amsterdam enjoy their last drinks before all bars have to close their doors at 7pm | AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
BBC: Twinkling fairy lights embellish the Linden trees around the Dutch parliament square.

Flames warm friends huddled beneath heaters glowing amber against the autumnal dusk.

While the anti-lockdown, anti-vax protesters and conspiracy propagators who hurled fireworks at riot police dominated the front pages, they represent a minority. Most people in the Netherlands reluctantly agree that sacrificing parts of their social lives can contribute to the greater good.

The Dutch government has announced a lockdown-lite designed to limit social contacts, in response to a sharp increase in infections. A record 16,324 new cases were recorded in one day this week and they remain stubbornly high. » | Anna Holligan, BBC News, Amsterdam | Saturday, November 13, 2021

In Österreich sind ab Montag Ungeimpfte im Lockdown: Im Kampf gegen die vierte Corona-Welle gilt in Österreich von diesem Montag an ein Lockdown für Ungeimpfte. Das haben Bundeskanzler Alexander Schallenberg und die Regierungschefs der Länder am Sonntag in Wien beschlossen. »

Dutch PM Given Extra Security amid Fears of Drug Gang Attack

THE GUARDIAN: ‘Spotters’ were seen scoping out movements of Mark Rutte, who cycles to work in The Hague

Mark Rutte on a bike in The Hague in March. Photograph: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, who cycles to work in The Hague, has reportedly been given extra personal security in response to raised fears of a kidnapping or attack by organised crime.

The decision was made after “spotters” were seen scoping out Rutte’s movements, raising concerns about a possible move by one of the country’s drug gangs.

According to De Telegraaf newspaper, specially trained police officers from the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB) have been deployed to shadow Rutte, who has often eschewed close protection during his 10 years as premier.

An ”elite security guard” was visibly in position during a two-day budget debate last week, which the Telegraaf reported was a result of the increased security brief. A government spokesperson declined to comment.

The far-right politician Geert Wilders tweeted: “Terrible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Good luck Prime Minister Rutte.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Monday, September 27, 2021

Conversion by Aversion? Featuring Arnoud van Doorn, Former Member of the Dutch Freedom Party

As far-right parties obsess about the danger Islam presents to the western lifestyle, some Islamic scholars are increasingly concerned about the danger the western lifestyle presents to Islam. Arnoud van Doorn argues that if moderate Muslims don’t step up their game, within the next 20 to 40 years, Islam may be gone from Europe. Are those fears really justified? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Arnoud van Doorn, a former member of the Dutch Freedom Party who converted to Islam and a representative of the Party of Unity in The Hague City Council.