Dutch political leaders engaged in a last-minute push to garner support from undecided voters in the frantic campaigning on Tuesday, just ahead of a general election poised to reshape the country’s political landscape after 13 years under Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s leadership.
Pollsters were indicating a closely contested vote, with four parties spanning the political spectrum competing to emerge as the largest bloc in the 150-seat lower house of parliament.
Rutte’s fourth and final coalition collapsed in July when it couldn’t reach an agreement on measures to control migration. Although Rutte announced he wouldn’t seek re-election, he currently serves as the caretaker prime minister until the formation of a new coalition—a process that might extend over several months.
The upcoming election in the Netherlands has the potential to see the country’s first-ever female prime minister, as Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, a former refugee advocating for stricter immigration controls, leads the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Meanwhile, Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islam stance, has shifted his focus to issues like curbing asylum-seekers and addressing the cost of living and housing shortages.
Polls indicate a close race between Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) and the VVD. The center-left bloc, led by the Labor Party and Green Left, is also in contention.
As the Netherlands approaches its general election, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), expressed skepticism about serving in a cabinet led by Geert Wilders.
Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), suggested that the VVD’s response indicated concern about his party’s growing influence. The election is expected to be closely contested, with multiple parties vying for the largest bloc in the lower house of parliament.
In the run-up to the Dutch general election, Thierry Baudet, leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy, returned to parliament after being attacked during a campaign event.
Baudet, who was hit on the head with a beer bottle, described the incident as a political attack and emphasized the need to continue the campaign.
Polls indicate that Baudet’s party is expected to secure several seats in the election, with multiple parties contending for prominent positions in the lower house of parliament.
