Despite his party's notable success in the 2023 elections, Dutch extremist leader Geert Wilders, the head of the Freedom Party (PVV), has chosen to withdraw from the prime ministerial contest, according to the BBC.
Wilders said in a statement on X: "I can only become Prime Minister if ALL parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case."
He further said: “I would like a right-wing cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch on 1. The love for my country and voters is great and more important than my own position. I love NL."
The Dutch PVV had to form a coalition with other parties despite being the single largest party at the end of the election. The conversation with the BBB (BBB farmers' parties), NSC (New Social Contract), and VVD (right and centre) seems to have reached a standstill.
Wilders claims that a right-wing cabinet that would address immigration and refugee issues is more important to him than his own goals. He stated that he is not serving himself, but instead his nation.
The talks with the other parties failed to produce a compromise, despite all his efforts, and a parliamentary debate on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday.
In another statement, Wilders said on X: "And don't forget: I will still become Prime Minister of the Netherlands. With support from even more Dutch people. If not tomorrow then the day after tomorrow. Because the voices of millions of Dutch people will be heard!"
Because the Netherlands is the founding member of the European Union, the choice made by the 60-year-old politician has implications not just for Dutch politics but also for the rest of the EU. The outcome of the parliamentary discussion will be a significant influence in choosing the next prime minister, who has not yet been known.
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