Parliament in The Hague opened the new legislature this Wednesday amid a tense political climate. The leading party, the Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders, holds 37 of the 150 seats but has yet to secure a majority. Support from other parties remains fragmented, with the Farmers Party (BBB) holding six seats and offering only limited backing so far.
Two conservative blocs that Wilders could rely on have shown hesitation. The outgoing prime minister’s liberals, led by Mark Rutte, control 24 seats, and the new centrist formation NSC commands 20. Rutte, who announced plans for early elections and had already signaled his retirement last summer, passed leadership of his party to the Minister of Justice, Dilan Yeşilgöz. Yeşilgöz, whose background includes a personal history as a child of refugees, remains firm on a hard line on immigration and declined to join a government with Wilders, though she left room for a minority administration that could be steered by what some call the “Dutch Trump.” The NSC has not shown willingness to back a Wilders-led coalition at this stage.
In the elections held on November 22, the far right emerged as a leading force, with a notable showing from a bloc opposed to the current government’s direction and including greens and social democrats associated with the former vice president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans. Given these results, Wilders’ immediate challenge is to assemble a functioning government. His party previously acted as a partner to Rutte’s government in The Hague during the first years of the current term, and a history of rivalry—both personal and political—between Wilders and the liberal prime minister has shaped recent negotiations. Rutte’s veto power, shared in effect by his successors, remains a significant hurdle for Wilders to cross.
Political fragmentation complicates search for allies
The difficulty Wilders faces in securing partners in The Hague is not surprising. The Dutch parliament is highly plural, with fourteen parties represented among 150 seats. Should a coalition be formed, it would require a delicate balance between parties with divergent priorities. There has long been talk of leadership transitions in Dutch politics, including the suggestion that a successor with international experience might emerge, but for now the focus is on assembling enough cross-party support to govern.
The search for potential allies began with a bumpy start when the first mediator between Wilders’ far-right party and its prospective partners resigned before taking office, amid corruption allegations. The mediation role has since been assumed by a social democrat, Ronald Plasterk, who has called for patience and thorough verification of the parties involved before any commitments are made. This pause reflects the volatility and caution that mark any attempt to bridge deep ideological divides in the Dutch political landscape.
Islamophobia declared
Wilders, a veteran figure in European far-right circles, has pursued power for more than two decades and has drawn international attention for positions that have sparked accusations of incitement. His party has been described as centering on a strong stance against Islam and immigration, with proposals that have included controversial measures such as mosque closures and restrictions on religious practices. In recent statements, Wilders has tried to soften the tone of his platform while maintaining a critical stance toward Muslim communities. Some observers note that the line between political rhetoric and policy proposals can be blurred, raising questions about constitutional boundaries and the potential implications for minority rights. Analysts point to the difference between public posture and actual governance discussions as a critical factor in the ongoing negotiations. Observers also consider the possibility that some positions may face constitutional scrutiny should a government alliance be pursued with Wilders. In this context, Pieter Omtzigt, a prominent figure aiming to join a broader government coalition, has been mentioned as a potential partner who could influence how a future administration addresses far-right elements.