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Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders thanked supporters after his surprise election victory on Sunday. The conservative-liberal politician also assured that he will always support Hindus who are threatened in Pakistan or Bangladesh. The controversial lawmaker is a vocal critic of Islam and has been accused of inciting hatred and discrimination on several occasions.
“Many thanks to all my friends from all over the world who congratulated me on winning the Dutch elections. There were a lot of messages from India: I will always support those Hindus who are attacked or threatened to be killed or prosecuted just for being Hindus in Bangladesh, Pakistan,” he said on Sunday evening. Tweeted.
Wilders’s anti-Muslim Freedom Party emerged the clear winner in elections late last month, but has struggled to win over potential allies in coalition talks. The PVV won another award on Friday when Martin Bosma was elected speaker of the lower house of parliament.
However, he encounters many difficulties in his attempts to take over the fragmented political system of the Netherlands. Reports indicate that Wilders has less than two months to win over potential coalition partners uncomfortable with his radical views. The far-right firebrand is hoping to form a four-way coalition that also includes the BBB farmers’ party, the centre-right VVD liberal party and the three-month-old New Social Contract party.
The far-right lawmaker said Wednesday he wanted to be prime minister for “all Netherlands” and pledged to ensure his policies would follow the country’s constitution. The comments, made during a debate in Parliament, were likely aimed at reducing fear among the public. Coalition partners spoke about his harsh anti-Islam rhetoric and plans including banning mosques, Islamic schools and the Quran.
(with inputs from agencies)
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Published: 18 Dec 2023, 05:43 am IST
