Tom Van Grieken, head of the far-right Vlaams Belang party, has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Netherlands' recent general election, celebrating Geert Wilders' Party for
Freedom (PVV) doubling its parliamentary seats.
In a press release on Thursday, Van Grieken remarked, “It's evident: the populace desires substantial change. This sentiment isn't confined to the Netherlands but resonates in Flanders as well.” He highlighted the PVV's surge to 37 seats, more than doubling their previous count of 17.
Van Grieken emphasized the centrality of migration in these elections, stating, “Migration was undoubtedly the focal point, and rightly so. The significance and ramifications of migration cannot be overstated.”
Expressing his anticipation for continued collaboration with the PVV, Van Grieken stated, “We have maintained a fruitful partnership for several years and aim to uphold this synergy. Across Europe, we witness a similar trend towards right-wing ideologies.”
Other prominent European figures have also conveyed their congratulations to Wilders. Hungarian President Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, publicly acknowledged Wilders' victory. Le Pen remarked on X that "the hope for change in Europe persists" as people strive to "protect their national identities."
Matteo Salvini, Italy's Lega leader, applauded Wilders' remarkable electoral success, describing him as a historic ally of Lega. Wilders' campaign platform included proposals for a Netherlands EU referendum, ceasing asylum-seeker intake, and fortifying Dutch borders against migrants. The PVV also advocates for the "de-Islamization" of the Netherlands, with Wilders rallying for the Dutch people to reclaim their nation's primacy, affirming, "The Dutch will be Number 1 again." Photo by Peter van der Sluijs, Wikimedia commons.