Moderate Wilders still controversial, but PVV government not ruled out

1. How was the PVV able to become the largest?

The Rutte IV cabinet fell over migration. Migration subsequently turned out to be one of the most important themes of this election campaign. It is a theme that the PVV, much more than the VVD, ‘owns’. Voters associate the PVV with that theme.

In addition, according to voters, the VVD has not delivered on that theme in recent cabinets.

Moreover, a vote for the PVV was not wasted this time, because the VVD said it was willing to cooperate in a cabinet. In previous years, the VVD excluded the PVV.

2. What makes the PVV controversial?

The PVV is controversial because of its positions on migration and Islam. The election manifesto states: “Our beautiful Netherlands has suffered serious deterioration due to the ongoing asylum tsunami and mass immigration.”

And: “The Netherlands is not an Islamic country: no Islamic schools, Qurans and mosques.” A position that is at odds with the constitution.

Other controversial positions include the plan to withdraw from the UN Refugee Convention, no more money to the NPO and the abolition of the Senate. The party wants to abolish all development aid immediately. Wilders also wants a binding referendum on leaving the EU and wants the apologies for the slavery past and police actions to be withdrawn.

In addition, the party is against Dutch support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. He consistently called the House of Representatives a fake parliament and Sigrid Kaag a witch. Wilders also finds journalists – with some exceptions – scum from the ledge.

3. Is Wilders more moderate now?

He speaks more moderately. In the campaign, Wilders said he wants to be a ‘prime minister of all Dutch people’, ‘regardless of where you come from and what your faith is’. The PVV leader also said that his party will operate ‘within the framework of the constitution’.

Wilders also said he was prepared to put some of the party’s key points ‘on hold’, so to speak. This concerns, among other things, the ban on Islamic education and the Koran.

But those controversial points can still be found in his party manifesto.

4. What are the chances that Wilders will join the government?

That chance certainly exists. Although VVD and NSC announced before the elections that this would not happen soon, they did not repeat this after the polls. Pieter Omtzigt of NSC emphasized that his new party is available for national government.

When asked about working with the PVV, Omtzigt said that his group is meeting for the first time this afternoon. “We discuss how we will proceed with this. But we see the need for good governance.”

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz kept quiet after the exit poll became known. She also referred to the first group meeting that will take place this afternoon. He must decide whether the door to the PVV is closed, or whether a coalition with Wilders can still be worked on.

5. Which candidate ministers does the PVV have?

According to Wilders, Fleur Agema would be an excellent Minister for Health. “Of course my hands itch,” Agema said himself. “It would be fantastic. My heart skips a beat at the idea, but you don’t know whether you will be allowed to do it.”

Martin Bosma could become State Secretary for Media Affairs, but he would rather become Chairman of the House of Representatives. According to Wilders, Dion Graus would make a good State Secretary for Animal Welfare.

Former PVV MP Lilan Helder was praised for her knowledge in the field of justice. But he bet on the wrong horse by switching to the BBB. PVV member Harm Beertema was seen as a strong substantive Member of Parliament in the field of education. But he also recently left for BBB.

The PVV’s electoral list contains thirteen former members of the House of Representatives. Furthermore, they are municipal and provincial council members and policy officers of the PVV in the House of Representatives.

Martin Bosma admitted last night that he does not know everyone: “They certainly meet all the requirements, but I don’t know who they are. Tomorrow there will be 37 of us in a faction room, that is completely crazy. But who they all are, I have no idea.”

6. Can there also be a new cabinet without a PVV?

Yes, that’s possible. Although it is illogical for the largest party not to participate in a new cabinet, it is possible. A so-called ‘victory defeat’ is also a possibility for Wilders. Because VVD, GroenLinks-PvdA, NSC and D66 together also have 78 seats.

It has happened before that the winner of the elections did not go on to govern. In 1986 the PvdA won, but there was a cabinet of CDA and VVD.