Far-right firebrand bewilders Dutch electorate as extremist ideas in Netherlands go mainstream
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The shock victory of Geert Wilders' far-right eurosceptic party in Dutch elections sent a political tremor through Brussels, seven months ahead of crucial EU elections. Despite Wilders' promise to hold a "Nexit" referendum, pro-European parties do not yet fear that the Netherlands is going to follow Britain in quitting the European Union. But his first place finish in a core member of the union is a reminder that populist parties are expected to grow in strength in next year's European Parliament elections. Wilders' PVV may not be able to build a coalition to make him prime minister so he can join the other 26 EU members at their summits. And his hardline plans to expel immigrants would be unlikely to survive legal challenges in the Dutch or European courts. But Europe's support for Ukraine, grand plans to fight climate change and efforts to build a joint strategic position in the face of crises like the Gaza war could be endangered. European elections to be held in June will be a new test of Wilders' popularity. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective on Dutch politics, FRANCE 24's Nadia Massih is joined by Dr. Roderik Rekker, Political Scientist, Psychologist and Professor at the University of Gothenburg and Radboud University.