Geert Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islamic party has won in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to exit polls, a result that could cause political shockwaves beyond the borders of the Netherlands.
An exit poll by Ipos suggested that Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) had secured 35 seats. Frans Timmermans’ left-leaning alliance came in second with 26 seats, while the centre-right VVD party won 23 seats.
Should these results be confirmed, Wilders’ victory would signal a sudden lurch to the right, a prospect that has been met with apprehension in Brussels. The PVV has notably promised to hold a referendum on the Netherlands’ EU membership.
“This might not be what other parties in Europe or other countries are seeking, but such is democracy,” the 60-year-old political leader stated after casting his vote.
His anti-immigration message, including border closures and the expulsion of illegal immigrants, appears to have resonated with Dutch voters.
Even though he appears to have triumphed in the polls, there is no certainty that Wilders will manage to form a governing coalition.
Leaders of the three other main parties have assured they would not be part of a coalition led by the PVV.
