ELECTIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands is due to hold parliamentary elections on 15 March 2017. The elections for the Tweede Kamer, is the most important chamber of parliament. At present, the Tweede Kamer harbours 15 parliamentary groups, including five splinter groups. The current government relies on the support of the right-wing VVD of Prime Minister Mark Rutte (40 seats) and the centre-left PvdA (36 seats). The latter is internationally known for its Minister of Finance, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Chair of the Eurogroup (the ministers of finance of the Eurozone countries).

At present, the VVD’s main opponent is the anti-Islam and anti-EU Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, which has topped some recent polls. The VVD is in favour of fiscal austerity and a (European) free market, while it also advocates tough anti-crime and anti-terrorism policies, and is strict on migration and integration.

External events will play a key role in shaping the choices of Dutch voters in 2017. The looming economic problems in Italy, potential terrorist attacks, a steep increase in flows of refugees,are just some of the more obvious developments that could shape the result.

The whole of Europe will be watching the outcome. If the PVV becomes the majority party, it is almost certain that it will launch a referendum on the issue of the nation’s membership of the EU. Once that happens, it will put the unity of the EU another rigorous test. If the Dutch people also vote to leave the EU, it will not only have far-reaching implications for the Dutch themselves, but also for the British. It is because by that time Britain would no longer be alone in negotiating with Brussels its terms for leaving the EU, and the whole exit negotiation could turn into a square-off between the EU and a Euroskeptic coalition. As such, both the British government and the British people will definitely keep a close eye on the results of the Dutch election next year.

Currently the PVV party has the support of between 20% and 25% of the electorate and  opinion polls show Geert Wilders’ party would take 31-37 seats in the 150 seat parliament. Despite the PVV’s strong position in the polls, Wilders is extremely unlikely to become Prime Minister because of the Dutch system of coalition politics. Although the leader of the biggest party after the election is invited to form a government, all the other major parties have said they will not work with the PVV.

The PVV “Party for Freedom” Platform

1) de-islamize the Netherlands

- Zero asylum seekers and no more immigrants from Muslim countries: Closing borders.
- Withdrawal of all residence permits already granted to asylum seekers; asylum seeker centers closed down.
- No more Muslim veils in public functions
- Ban of overall Muslim expressions that are against the public order
- Preventive incarceration of radical Muslims
- Criminals with double nationality stripped of their Dutch citizenship and deported
- Syrian fighters not allowed back in The Netherlands
- All Mosques and Muslim schools are to be closed and the Koran banned.

2) The Netherlands will reclaim its independence. Therefore, leave the EU.

3) Direct democracy: binding referendums, citizens have the power.

4) Deductible/excess in healthcare insurance is eliminated

5) Rents to be lowered

6) Age of retirement back to 65 years old. Pensions for everyone.

7) No more money for foreign aid, windmills, art, innovation, public broadcasters, etc.

8) Past budget cuts involving care will be reversed.

9) Plenty extra funds for defense and police

10) Lower income taxes

11) 50% reduction for vehicle ownership taxes