The Netherlands is in the midst of a closely contested national election, with far-right party leader Geert Wilders and the conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) tied for the lead. The campaign has focused on issues such as climate change and immigration, with the issue of immigration triggering the collapse of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s government. The election could potentially bring the country its first new prime minister in 13 years.
Voting on Wednesday saw a high turnout, with polling stations located in various places including museums, train stations, and a petting zoo. Far-right politician Geert Wilders has taken a hard-line stance on immigration, while VVD’s Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz, a Turkish immigrant, is also embracing a restrictive approach to immigration in hopes of becoming the country’s first female prime minister.
The outcome of the election will be closely watched by fellow EU leaders, as parties on the right have expressed desire to seek exemptions from the bloc’s rules on agriculture and immigration. Wilders, in particular, has been explicit in his anti-EU stance, urging the Netherlands to take back control of its borders and reduce payments to the union.
Despite the possibility of a hard-right coalition with a strong anti-immigration stance, some voters expressed concerns about the outcome. One Amsterdam resident described the potential election of Wilders as a nightmare, while others are hoping for a pro-European, centre-left government.