Netherlands Veers Toward Hard Right with Anti-Islam Firebrand Geert Wilders Leading Coalition Deal

The Netherlands Takes a Hard Right Turn with New Coalition Deal

In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through Europe, anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders and three other party leaders in the Netherlands have agreed on a coalition deal that veers the country toward the hard right. The agreement, titled “Hope, courage and pride,” introduces strict measures on asylum seekers, scraps family reunification for refugees, and seeks to reduce the number of international students studying in the country.

One of the most controversial aspects of the deal is the call to deport people without a valid residence permit as much as possible, even forcibly. Wilders, known for his strong anti-immigration stance, hailed the agreement as the strongest asylum policy ever in the Netherlands.

With hard-right and populist parties gaining ground in several European countries, including Hungary, Italy, and France, the Netherlands now joins the trend with Wilders at the forefront. The upcoming European Union elections on June 6-9 are expected to see further gains for these parties.

Despite his political victory, Wilders had to make personal compromises, as he will not be the next prime minister. The parties are still in discussions to select a technocrat from outside the party structures for the role.

The coalition deal also includes commitments to combat climate change, support Ukraine, and increase social housing. However, the stance against further enlargement of the European Union may put the Netherlands at odds with other member nations.

The parties will present the program to parliament on Thursday, with a debate scheduled for next week. The Netherlands is set for a new chapter under this hard-right coalition, with Wilders and his allies at the helm.