Netherlands: Second party rejects coalition talks with Wilders

Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders has suffered another setback in his bid to form a government. A week after his right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) won a clear electoral victory, the New Social Contract (NSC) party also rejected cooperation. “At the moment I don’t want to start any negotiations,” said NSC chairman Peter Omdzicht. To justify, he cited constitutional concerns due to the BVV’s unconstitutional stances.

Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rudd’s right-wing liberal VVD previously rejected a coalition. Wilders, however, is dependent on the parties for a stable majority in parliament. The PVV won 23.6 percent of all votes – together with the VVD and the NSC, Wilders’ coalition is aiming for 51.6 percent of parliamentary seats.

One A minority government The right-wing populist did not rule it out. “Anything will happen. But I prefer a majority government,” he said. Wilders wants to talk to the opposition Peasants Citizens Movement (BBB) ​​in the first phase of government formation, which began on Monday, alongside the right-wing liberal VVD and the centrist NSC.

Rutte’s VVD party, which refused to participate in government after losing the election, will probably support a minority government. However, Wilders described a coalition government with the VVD, NSC and BBB as a “logical, perfect combination”. He is willing to compromise on this. For example, he wants to suspend his demands to ban the Koran and close mosques.