The anti-Islam Freedom Party of far-right politician Geert Wilders has made major gains in local elections held in the Netherlands. Taking part in two cities it has become the largest party in Almere and the second largest in The Hague.
The two largest parties in the former coalition government both lost seats on municipal councils. The Labour Party (PvdA), led by Wouter Bos, and the Christian Democrats (CDA), led by now caretaker prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende, paid the price for three years of difficult government
Mr Wilders was visibly buoyed by the results and was characteristically combative saying this was the first step in the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections.
"The national campaign begins today in Almere and The Hague, tomorrow in all of the Netherlands… On 9 June, we'll conquer the Netherlands," said Mr Wilders.
The fall of the Dutch cabinet and the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections overshadowed Wednesday's municipal elections in the Netherlands. The actual results for the nearly 400 municipal councils hardly seemed to matter. All interest was focused on the implications for the upcoming parliamentary race.
And even though it only took part in two municipalities it was clear the day's big winner was the right-wing populist party of Geert Wilders.
Eye on the prize
And, of course, Mr Wilders now has his eye on the larger prize. His Freedom Party has profited more than any other from the fall of the Dutch cabinet ten days ago. The party currently has nine seats in parliament (out of 150).
If voters had elected a new parliament on Wednesday, the Freedom Party would have won between 24 and 27 seats. In one poll, it would be the largest single party. If his party does that well come June, Geert Wilders could become the next prime minister.
The national opinion polls also indicate that forming the next coalition will be more difficult than ever. Dutch coalition governments are usually made up of two or three parties. The next coalition will likely need four or more parties to reach a majority in parliament.
Will he or won't he?
Then there is the question of whether Geert Wilder's Freedom Party can join a coalition. Many mainstream parties cannot imagine forming a coalition with the Freedom Party due to its extreme views.
And while Geert Wilders says he is ready to make the compromises necessary to form partnerships with other parties, he is as yet untested.
That will soon change. The Freedom Party will feel the pressure to govern in the two cities, Almere and The Hague, where they did so well in municipal elections. Just days before the election, Mr Wilders said a ban on Muslim headscarves in public places would be non-negotiable. No other party will accept such a ban.
In fact, the call generated protests on election day. In Almere and The Hague, dozens of people, men and women, Muslim and non-Muslim, came to vote wearing headscarves.
Other parties
It was a painful day for the biggest established parties with the two largest parties in the former coalition government both losing heavily. The Labour Party and the Christian Democrats ultimately paid the price for three years of difficult government.
Caretaker Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, Christian Democrat, tried to make the best of the poor results. In reaction, he said, "Of course we wanted the results to be better, and our local candidates deserve better. But of course national events of the past two weeks played a role in these elections."
The Labour Party also lost seats compared to four years ago. However, the losses were not as large as they could have been. Labour gained popularity in the wake of the fall of the government. All the more surprising since an unwritten rule in Dutch politics says that the party who brings about the fall of a cabinet usually looses seats.
Besides Geert Wilders' Freedom Party, the big winners in Wednesday's elections were the Green Left, and Democrat 66.
Local frustration
Local parties were frustrated by the domination of national politics. During the campaign, parties used sex and silliness to try to steal the attention back to local issues, but without much success.
The Dutch municipal elections were the starting gun for an intense three-month campaign.
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Jan Maaten is my name freedom is my aim ,being of dutch parents whom found the place to live in the early '50's namely AUSTRALIA .The Geert Wilders Freedom Party is the way to live.Us Ausies are a bit easy going but we are prepared to stop Islamic migrants from wanting change the unspoken rule is our way or no way.Good on you Geert Wilders.Regards Jan.Born Rotterdam 1946
As far as I am concerned, a simple and bloodless way to resolve the Islam problem would be to deprive this cult (for this is surely what Islam is) the privileged status afforded to bona fide religions. It is only allowed to exist in Western and civilized societies because it enjoys the status of a religion. Meanwhile, this festering disease, masquerading as a religion is literally eating away at the core of what we value - namely, our freedom and our sovereignty. We cannot repatriate nationalised citizens, we cannot prevent people entering our countries on the basis of religion, but if Islam is no longer regarded as a religion, and is seen for what it is - a hate cult - then surely it would be a lot easier to ban it and send it underground, where it truly belongs.
Islam is an extremely repressive and regressive religion. It turns women into third class citizens (at best). It spreads primarily through force and the threat of force. Dare to say somthing publically about Islam, Mohammad, or the Kuran and you or your family could end up dead... even in a European country! It is a religion that results in violence and terrorist actions against those who don't buy into their evil, twisted ideology.
Since when is standing up against this kind of evil an extreme view? Was it extreme to appose Hitler and the Nazis in Germany? Europe and America have welcomed Muslims into our midsts because we are tolerant and mistakenly think that all men value freedom as much as we do. We have let the wolves inside the sheephold and are now too afraid to cry "Wolf"! In that resolutely acting with courage is outside the norm, than Wilder is an extremist. In that this action is needed to rid you of the evil growing within your borders, Wilder is a hero. We all need more Wilders to save us from the dark and brooding evil of Islam among us! Anti Islamic is pro freedom and civilized behavior!
And yes, most Muslims are wonderful people and not evil! But their religion is one that foments repression and evil, which makes it threat to all of civilzed mankind.
Good luck Mr. Geert on June 9th. Islam is a big problem in Spain too. They are intolerant, aggressive, defiant and most of all, are taking advantage from the taxes and services they receive for free. Instead, they are constantly having children and therefore, invading Europe silently. Stop Islam now!
Don't know u name...but i can't believe that some people here think like Nazi dictator ,Franco !! Don't follow The Netherlands, If we don't.... we can clean up mass of the Netherlands politicians made by name of Religion in Europa. Don't think that 'USA 'll come this time that they did in second world war.
This event for Geert and the PVV was well anticipated. What is really the move to watch for Has been made by Rita ver Donk in ejecting a right-wing member of her party, and thus further isolating Geert and the PVV further towards the periphery, thus extending the boundry of the PVV a greater distance from the political center. I will go out on a limb and predict that Rita will be part of the next coalition government and Geert will not, no matter how well the PVV fares on June 9. On the political right in the Netherlands, experienced pragmatism will win out against the "beauty contest" Geert is attempting to fashion for himself. Geert's hairstyle may be more photogenic than Rita's, but the advantage ends there. Rita knows how to play real politik with the big center and left players in the game who can provide her with a small slice of power enough for her to survive. She has already begun to elbow Geert out of the way as the right-wing player who is the most flexible and accomodating to consenus and compromise in a coalition situation. Rita could very well be the palatable right-wing vote for those who neither wish the unknown or the untested. Even with only one seat, Rita may tip the balance.
Geert Wilder stance is not new but it is revival of the ignorance of seventeenth century. Can you imagine hight of plurism in Islamic Society since and e during the last 1000 years even in the in the Europe Jews and Muslims were persecuted in Spain but Muslims were protecting Jews in Turkey. Christians lived under the islamic rulers in Syria, Palestine Egypt . No forced conversion and demolishing or restriction on church building was imposed but even Govt were repairing ailing church buildings. Evidence is there after 1400 year of Muslim rule a significant number of Christian live in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt. They were never persecuted due to religion , obtained high position in the Courts.
I have strong and evident opinion that attitude and propaganda like Geert Wilder's will increase rate of conversion in every country in Europe. Higher will be resistant and propaganda higher will be conversion to Islam. European individuals are free opinion makers.
Hi Muqeem.
pls dont try to say absolute untrue facts ! islam is highly autocratic and intolerent cult. that has always been spread by sword. It has evidently destroyed other cultures in the land they had invaded ( always by sword) and not by cultural exchanges !!. And it has always destroyed local ethos. Look at what is happening at mid-east. You cant even promote your own past as a tourist item [ Syria -- whats inside petra ?] .
they have tried their best to destroy India.
do you think we will accept your untrue and imagined fact [ when we have tons of fact leading to otherwise conclusion] . Mr. Geert Wilders is NOT 17th century ignorant but trying to 'put a stitch in time to save nine ' [ which we could not do and in the process lost a chunk of our country -- which gave rise to incubator for world terrorism ]
I am willing to give Muslims the same freedoms that Christians experience in Islamic countries!
I am a pakistani christian living in Europe ,dus enjoying the full freedom of living the way i want , believing in what i want saying in what i want without the fear of persecution or punishment . Many Christian , hindus and other non muslim have no such freedom in muslim countries where they are the citizens. Churches and temples have been burned. Recently a Christian couple has been imprisoned for touching the Quran with uncleaned hands. Twenty people of a family including Children are burned alive for disrespecting the Quran. There are many more incident like that , just because the international media doesnot bother to mention them it doesnot mean it donot happen. In egypt a non-muslim can never stand as a president or Chief justice , same is the law in pakistan. In our Passports we have to declare our reiligion.
A non muslim have to sign the form saying he is not a muslim before a passport could be issued to him or her.
These injustices exist in all the muslim ruled countries. So please refrain from giving wrong information to the public.
There is a simple solution to the complex problem of terrorism-Sift the wheat from the chaff..Wheat are the good people and chaff the terrorists...irrespective of their religious ideology. And the wheat should not cry over the loss of chaff..Chaffy wheat hardly makes a good bread. But, sadly the politicians of today want both-the wheat and the chaff for their selfish motives...hence endangering the society. And if someone questions them, he is labelled as not fit for the society..Strange politics..
hi may i have chance to write my comment to Mr Wilders and i want to say to him derictly that we are stronger than our fears and greater than our limits more than just a name we r moslims yes but we r not terorist that is why iwant to explain to him that u u should know that there r two kinds in this whole world .those people who r bad and those people who r good nothing else .and for all that Mr Wilders never control people from their appearence or thier religions coz islam coming by love not by vilence and i think that u know better than me .thank u
I am sure that you are a wonderful person who does not defend the threat of violence and terrorism. However, you must truly have your head buried in the sand to not see that this is one of the main ways that Islam is spread; violence and the threat of violence. Your vision of Islam is likely colored by the people and bonds that hold you to your close friends and family. I encourage you to take two steps back and look at Islam from a distance and with impartiallity. From there you will get a completely different view of how it is spread and what it results in.
The true pervertors of Islam are not those who believe in a repressive religion that must be vigorously defended with all means needed. The true pervertors of Islam are those who take a moderate and liberal interpretation of the Kuran. Because Islam is truly repressive and violent if one takes the literal interpretation of the Kuran and other "sacred" writings, Islam can't, and will never be able to seperate itself from these things and will always represent a threat to the civilized World.
Dear Readers, Greetings to all.
Who designed 9/11 to create wrong impression against Muslims & attack Iraq & Afghanistan .
Why USA Airforce did not intercept? Why So many Muslims died on 9/11?
Why you are so foolish that you donot read the reports of many American writers; Rush Baker &
Mr Stanley Hilton?
Many are so blind they donot know about their own Religion & attack Islam.
Islam is the oldest Religion Propagated first By Holy Prophet Adam & confirmed through all 124000
Holy Prophet & Holy Abraham, Holy Ishmael, Holy Isaq,Holy Moses,Holy Jesus & lastly by Holy Prophet Mohammed.
Holy Adam had most miraculous birth More than Holy Jesus. None of 123999 Holy Prophets ever said GOD had a son, but Satan instigated Peter to name Holy Jesus as the Son of ALMIGHTY GOD,and Holy jesus called peter a satan & rebuked him. But now you follow Peter's Gospel & believe Holy Jesus died in Cross when He was lifted away & Holy Jesus was saved by ALMIGHTY GOD ,took Him to heaven alive.
ALMIGHTY GOD saved Holy Abraham from fire, Holy Moses from Sea, Holy Juna from the stomach of whale.Angels took Holy Enoch alive to heaven.
You think Holy Jesus will save you from hell, thus you do all evil acts .Peter changed all Mosaic laws
When" Holy Jesus clearly said I did not come to destroy the laws but to fulfill" Matthew 5:17)
St Barnabas wrote true Gospel & now you say Muslim wrote it.
Some Muslims may be different & angry mooded they are harsh & angry minded but most Muslims are good people & law abiding.
They peacefully call you towards ALMIGHTY GOD & stay away from immorality & obey Mosaic & Islamic Laws & believe in the day of Judgement.
Islam given Seven highest honour to women ,& you say Muslim women are down graded.
Holy Quran named Holy Mary as the best lady of this earth & contain whole Chapter about Holy Marium
& you call Islam Evil .
Open your eyes,fear ALMIGHTY GOD & read Holy Quran & learn the truth. Thank you
If thats the case then please get out in big number and denounce terrorism , talk to alqaidas ,talaban and condem them. Let ur message heard to the leaders of the muslim countries to give equal rights to all its citizens. Just like the muslim in west have got. Role in government , equal leadership opportunities. Freedom to worship their own gods not necessary Allah. Speeks against the injustices of the minorities in Muslim countries. Lets us hear u that what u say is what u mean.
I'm waiting to hear that they've given up Arabic numerals and coffee. Maybe other Middle Eastern inventions like agriculture, writing, the wheel....
Islam's legacy is fear and repression, not enlightenment.
you need to check your facts, sir. the so- called arabic numerals were actually invented by the Indians. Arabs just introduced the numerals in europe. also, agriculture, writing and science were pretty well developed in India and China far before the arabs acquired a semblance of civilization. the dutch can, in fact, forgo most things invented (not plagiarized) by arabs without much loss. wilders is a true freedom fighter.
Go home Yankee!... and let us Dutch decide what we will do or not do! Or no I have better, why don't you take your freedom fighter to your ridiculous country so you can have him KKK leader probably! He'll be reaching many new fans I'm sure!
Well, the islamists can build their mosques on empty Sahara. In EU, they are looking only for money derived from our taxes. This is judeochristian civilization they are entering based on Old and New Testaments. They have to realize that-and save money for the way home. Wish a lot of luck to brave Dutch citizens that elected - reasonably. And hope in success of Mr. Wilders in June. Sid, South Bohemia, Czech Republic.
Hey you! if I follow your stupid mind, All Jews and Christians should just leave the middle-east in that case, and go home, have fun between each other, and try to find oil in the Northern see or something or in Bohemia! People thinking like you are a disgrace...and the worst abou you is that you leave in a country such as Czech Republic who doesn't have a single Arab, or Muslim living and yet you talk like you're under siege...loser!
You sound like an angry person Geert. Why did you leave the God-forsaken country of your birth? By bringing Islam to the Netherlands and other Europen countries you are unwitingly transforming them into the darkness you wished to escape. I would rather say to you, abandon Islam, welcome out of the 10th century, and learn to love others!
GEERT WILDERS FOR PRIME MINISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SIETSE FRITSMA FOR VICE PRIME MINISTER!!!
Many people didn´t vote for the local elections because they are waiting for the June voting, so they can vote for Wilders.
This event for Geert and the PVV was well anticipated. What is really the move to watch for Has been made by Rita ver Donk in ejecting a right-wing member of her party, and thus further isolating Geert and the PVV further towards the periphery, thus extending the boundry of the PVV a greater distance from the political center. I will go out on a limb and predict that Rita will be part of the next coalition government and Geert will not, no matter how well the PVV fares on June 9. On the political right in the Netherlands, experienced pragmatism will win out against the "beauty contest" Geert is attempting to fashion for himself. Geert's hairstyle may be more photogenic than Rita's, but the advantage ends there. Rita knows how to play real politik with the big center and left players in the game who can provide her with a small slice of power enough for her to survive. She has already begun to elbow Geert out of the way as the right-wing player who is the most flexible and accomodating to consenus and compromise in a coalition situation. Rita could very well be the palatable right-wing vote for those who neither wish the unknown or the untested. Even with only one seat, Rita may tip the balance.
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