Geert Wilders’ chances of forming a majority government in the Netherlands have been dealt a major blow after one of the far-right leader’s three potential partners abruptly pulled out of coalition talks, citing financial concerns. received.
Wilders, leader of the Liberal Party (PVV), which shocked Europe by coming first in last November’s general election, said he was “in disbelief” at the decision to declare the New Social Contract (NSC) “finished” with the current round of talks. I’m so disappointed,” he said on X. .
Centrist party leader Pieter Omzicht did not rule out the possibility of giving parliamentary support to a minority government, but appeared to rule out the possibility of formally joining the right-wing coalition, which is known as a public broadcaster. NOS said.
Dutch media reported that former Christian Democratic Party lawmaker Omzicht, who campaigned on the platform of “good governance” and “a different way of doing politics,” was shocked by a secret Cabinet meeting regarding the financial situation. Ta.
“The NSC is not going to make promises to the Dutch people that we already know are empty and that the next government cannot fulfill,” he said. said in a letter To party members. “Castles in the air are not the basis for secure survival.”
Former minister Ronald Plastark, who is acting as a mediator for the talks, has already made financial cuts after economists warned that the new coalition government would need to come up with €17bn (about £14.5bn) in structural spending cuts. warned that this was a major obstacle.
Wilders’ PVV won a shocking 37 seats in the election, but far short of the 76 needed for a majority. His preferred coalition government was the NSC, which won 20 seats, the BBB Agriculture Party (7 seats), and the center-right VVD Party (24 seats).
The far-right leader had already promised in his manifesto to drop anti-constitutional measures such as banning mosques and the Quran, as well as proposals rejected by potential partners, such as a “nexit” referendum on leaving the EU. .
But without the NSC, it seems unlikely that Mr Wilders will form a majority government. “The Netherlands wants this cabinet, and while we continued to negotiate until today, Mr. Omzicht is now throwing in the towel. I have no idea,” he said.
Dilan Yesilges-Zegelius, who replaced resigning Prime Minister Mark Rutte as VVD leader, said he was “very surprised” by Omzicht’s decision, adding that the four parties “immediately sat down together to find out the exact He added that he hopes to be able to hear what’s going on here. ”
Populist BBB’s Caroline van der Plas called the NSC leader’s withdrawal “inexplicable”.
If no combination of parties can agree to form a coalition government, new elections are an option, but opinion polls show support for the PVV has soared since November.
