Skip to content
Edit post

Exit polls: Geert Wilders' far-right party set to win Dutch elections

by Martin Fornusek and The Kyiv Independent news desk November 22, 2023 11:59 PM 2 min read
PVV leader Geert Wilders is seen casting his vote in the Dutch General Elections on Nov. 22, 2023, in The Hague, Netherlands. (Patrick van Katwijk/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Geert Wilders's far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) is set to win the Dutch parliamentary Nov. 22 elections, securing 35 of the 150 parliamentary seats, exit polls suggested.

The Euroskeptic and anti-immigration firebrand overtook the Green-Labour alliance (25 seats) and the ruling People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD, 24 seats), exit polling shows.

It remains uncertain whether the PVV will be able to build a coalition government, a process that can last up to six months. Throughout this period, the Dutch foreign policy will remain in the reins of the current government.

Under the outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD), the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, being one of the few partners to pledge F-16 fighter jets.

While denouncing Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the PVV voiced opposition to sending financial support and fighter jets to Kyiv, preferring them to be used for domestic needs.

Join our community
Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight.
Support us

"Russia's military action in Crimea is a blatant violation of Ukrainian sovereignty," said PVV foreign affairs spokesperson Raymond de Roon in 2014.

"However, the Netherlands currently has no interest in sanctions against Russia and a conflict with Russia, nor in the association agreement with the bankrupt state that is Ukraine."

Leaks by Ukrainian hackers suggested that the Kremlin has been actively developing ties with the PVV since 2013, which Wilders was attempting to conceal.

Moscow has traditionally maintained friendly ties with populist and anti-establishment parties in the EU.

Rise of populism in Ukraine’s neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think
Slovakia’s new Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is consistent in his comments that his country will stop providing aid to Ukraine. He also regularly parrots Russian propaganda, blaming Kyiv for Russia’s invasion. This makes two of them, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban long being accused of b…

News Feed

4:54 AM  (Updated: )

Russian attack on Kharkiv injures 25.

At least 25 people were injured and more may be trapped under the rubble, local authorities said. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the building.
5:54 PM

How Trump plans to end Ukraine war, according to Volker.

A few hours after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the U.S. presidential election, the Kyiv Independent sat down with Ambassador Kurt Volker, who served as the U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations in 2017-2019, and as U.S. ambassador to NATO in 2008-2009.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.