A huge chunk of the Dutch electorate has quite the hangover at the moment. The far-right nationalist Freedom Party (PVV) of Geert Wilders emerged as the biggest party from the Dutch parliamentary elections. A terrible result, but read (or scroll) to the end for the reason why I am still hopeful.
Wilders is set to win roughly a quarter of seats in the powerful Dutch lower house of parliament. A big plurality for sure, but not close to a majority. Therefore, pressure is on the parties that are willing to work with Wilders; the potential enablers of a far-right government. Chiefly the right-wing VVD party. They manufactured a migration crisis, then brought down the government over this crisis, and finally gave their implicit blessing to a vote for PVV by indicating they were willing to enter into coalition with them. Wilders thus had an opportunity to win big, thanks to the VVD. Furthermore, if he actually gets his hands on power, it will be because the VVD lets him. Either by forming a Wilders-government, or supporting one.
Moving on from tactics and power, we must address what this result means for people. The outcome is a gut-punch to people who believe in decency, basic human rights, and the democratic rule of law. It is, however, something much worse for people who may actually be on the receiving end of some of the policies espoused by Geert Wilders and his ilk. To vulnerable groups in society that need more equality - not less, the Freedom Party is a threat. A quarter of the electorate is apparently on board with treating people differently on the basis of ethnicity and religion. Including stripping them of certain inalienable rights. Wilders has run on a number of explicit promises of the sort.
People holding certain professions also have reason to fear. Journalists, judges, civil-rights lawyers, teachers, academics - Wilders has threatened to deal with all of them at one point or another. During the campaign, he was silent on this part of his repertoire, in favour of talking about the cost of living and migration, but his party programme was as extreme as ever. Given that his BFF is Viktor Orbán, there is absolutely no reason to dismiss these threats as purely hypothetical.
With or without a Wilders government, there is now a potential majority for freezing or overturning certain women’s rights, and LGBTIQ rights. Trans people are especially at risk at the moment. Once a liberal bulwark, the VVD has already shown it is willing to trade in these rights for other points, so once again the focus should be on them to prevent them from making discriminatory majorities possible. Vocal outrage will not be enough to protect our fellow-citizens. The time to actively resist discrimination, and active solidarity is upon us. Stop feeling sad, and start feeling angry. Reach out to people who are in real danger, and be there for them.
Finally, what does it mean for Europe? If Wilders becomes Prime Minister, then he will sit on the European Council, where his natural allies will be Viktor Orban and Robert Fico. He will be more extreme that Giorgia Meloni, and much less keen on making the EU work. The PVV manifesto still calls for a Nexit referendum. Then there is the Putin connection. While Orbán plays his ties to the Kremlin mostly to his own advantage, Wilders is a true believer. A proudly minted ambassador of Russo-Dutch friendship, even after MH17 was shot down. No wonder champagne corks popped in the Kremlin this Wednesday and the Russian state channel cheered his victory. I do no think there is anything good for Europe about a Wilders government. Domestically, he will use the EU has a scapegotat. From the EU Council’s bully pulpit, Wilders will blame Brussels for any promise he cannot fulfil.
We cannot deny that the situation is very difficult both for the Netherlands and for Europe. But we Europeans have faced greater challenges and in recent history populist and authoritarian government have been dealt with. The parties in the political centre need to come out of their trenches, regroup and start working together. The Social Democrat PvdA and the Greens showed the way. Only a strong and healthy political centre force can provide political leadership and avoid the flight to the extremes.
Not just politicians have to act. Society is our collective responsibility. All of us should get out of our comfy chairs and climb the barricades. If we truly care about the democratic rule of law, equality and freedom, if we truly care about the planet, our quality of life and the future of Europe, we have to stand up and fight. Let's go!
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As of last month, I am leading the Dutch-speaking list for Volt Belgium into the European Elections. If you are living in Belgium, and eligible to vote, then you can endorse this list.
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Volt is a new party that needs 5000 endorsements to run in the elections. By endorsing, you will allow me and my fellow-Volters to be on the ballot. Endorse us, if you want a new progressive, green, and unreservedly pro-European party running in the election!
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Activities
25-26 November - Volt Europa GA, Paris
27 November - +Europa event on Treaty Reform at ALDE headquarters, Brussels
2 December - Volt in Mol, Mol (Antwerp region)
7 December - Volt Event: Politiek Café Leuven