Geert Wilders, the Dutch nationalist leader, and his far-right PVV party have seemingly struck a coalition deal with three other right-wing partners—VVD, NSC, and BBB—in the Netherlands. This coalition, expected to secure a parliamentary majority, signals a shift to the far-right, with significant implications for migrants and refugees.
The four-party coalition, with a combined parliamentary majority of 88 out of 150 seats, intends to implement what they describe as the “strictest-ever asylum regime,” emphasizing stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers. Despite Wilders ruling himself out from the prime minister position, the coalition is poised to pursue radical changes to migration policy.
The coalition’s agreement, dubbed the “hope, courage, and pride” pact, includes plans to opt out of the EU-wide migration pact, signaling a contentious stance against European policies. However, opposition from the EU is expected, with discussions on opt-out clauses and amendments to the pact anticipated in the near future.
Geert Wilders’ anti-migration rhetoric aligns with his longstanding campaign against immigration into the EU, particularly targeting Muslim migrants. The coalition aims to redefine Dutch immigration policy by further restricting labor migration, curbing foreign student admissions, and scrapping family reunifications for refugees.
These measures have sparked concerns from rights groups, with organizations like the Dutch Council for Refugees criticizing the coalition for undermining core values and using refugees as scapegoats for broader social issues.
The formation of this right-wing coalition also carries implications for European politics, particularly ahead of the upcoming European elections. With the rise of far-right parties across the EU, the coalition’s victory in the Netherlands could signal further gains for the far-right in European politics.
While the coalition still needs to present its political program to parliament, the formation of the next Dutch government appears imminent, with Wilders expressing confidence in the coalition’s success and optimistic about the future of the Netherlands under its leadership.