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2 LOCAL NEWS Thursday, 23 November 2023
Geert Wilders Emerges as Key Player in Dutch Elections:
Coalition Challenges and Implications for Aruba
THE Dutch elections have concluded with Geert Wilders and government, rather than settling for a supporting role.
his far-right PVV party securing a decisive victory, leaving
GroenLinks-PvdA in a distant second and VVD in third place, If VVD were to consider a coalition with Wilders without
according to initial exit polls. With over 13 million voters NSC, it would be mathematically challenging. Even with BBB
participating in the parliamentary elections for the Dutch (7 seats) and CDA (5 seats), such a collaboration would only
House of Representatives, the political landscape is set for reach 71 seats, five short of a majority.
a potential shift.
On the other hand, forming an anti-Wilders opposition
Mark Rutte, the long-standing leader of the liberal VVD, proves equally complex. To reach a majority of 76 seats,
did not run for re-election, signaling a significant change GroenLinks-PvdA, VVD, NSC, and D66 would need to nego-
in Dutch politics. The focus now shifts to Wilders and the tiate significant differences in economic and migration poli-
challenges he faces in translating this electoral success into cies. Particularly challenging is the fact that VVD and D66,
political power. facing substantial electoral losses, may find consensus diffi-
cult.
Wilders’ PVV obtained a significant win, but the question
remains whether he can form a coalition and wield polit- In the midst of this political drama, it’s essential to note
ical influence effectively. Achieving a majority of 76 seats in the potential implications for Aruba. The election results
the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) would require could significantly impact the relationship between the
collaboration with two other major parties. Mathematically, Netherlands and Aruba. A government led by Wilders might
a coalition with VVD and NSC would secure a majority of 79 introduce policy shifts that could influence diplomatic ties
seats. However, this presents a dilemma, as the leaders of and cooperation between the two entities. The evolving
these parties view cooperation with Wilders as problematic. political landscape in the Netherlands has the potential to
shape not only domestic policies but also international rela-
VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz initially did not rule out a coalition tions, including those with Aruba.
with PVV but later expressed reservations. The historical
acceptance of Wilders’ support by VVD under former Prime As the Dutch political landscape continues to unfold, the
Minister Mark Rutte in 2010 is not considered a valid argu- implications for coalition-building and foreign relations,
ment for a repeat in 2023. With PVV now the largest party, particularly with Aruba, will be closely watched in the coming
Wilders is likely to demand a leading role in any potential weeks and month.
