Outgoing Dutch PM’s party rules out coalition with winning anti-Islam party
The Netherlands' current ruling party, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, has rejected the possibility of forming the new government with the anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders, marking a significant development in coalition talks following the recent general election.
As reported by Dutch News, the decision eliminates the potential for a coalition government with Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV), which gained the most seats in Wednesday's election, causing a political shakeup. While Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) indicated that they would not form a government with Wilders, there was a suggestion that they might support him on specific votes in parliament.
Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, leader of the VVD, mentioned before the coalition talks that, after 13 years of Rutte as prime minister and the VVD's seat loss in the election, the party was considering a different role. Wilders, with 37 seats out of 150, has the first opportunity to form a coalition but needs to convince potential partners, as he cannot govern alone.
Despite Wilders' pre-election attempt to present a less extreme image, Dutch Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag, stepping down as leader of the liberal Democrats 66 (D66) party, cautioned voters not to be deceived. She emphasized that Wilders still has a long way to go, pointing out his history of accusations, demonization, discrimination, and the exclusion of certain population groups. “He can pretend to be Mother Teresa, but he still has a very long way to go”, Kaag said before the cabinet meeting.