Geert Wilders and the Party for Freedom (PVV) won the highest majority of seats in this year’s general elections on Nov. 22nd.
The Dutch political scene was taken by surprise. As were many expats, highly skilled migrants, and internationals.
In our first blog on the election results, we covered the political career of Geert Wilders along with how the PVV was formed.
This second blog on Wilders and the PVV will delve into the political ideologies of Wilders and the PVV, the manifesto, and what this can mean for foreigners in the Netherlands.
PVV and Wilders on Immigration
Wilders has never been shy about vocalizing his opinion on hot political topics. One topic he remains consistently vocal about is immigration.
Quoted by local and international media outlets shortly after winning, Wilders decreed: “the first thing is a significant restriction on asylum and immigration…we don’t do that for ourselves, we do that for all Dutch people who voted for us.”
Historically, Wilders has remained far-right leaning on immigration, asylum, and border control. During this year’s campaign one of his main slogans remained: “give back the country to the Dutch people.”
In an interview with BBC, Wilders explained “”indigenous people are being ignored because of mass immigration… they feel mistreated…we must think about our own people…Borders closed. Zero asylum-seekers.”
Nexit, Work Permits, and Int. Students
One of the radical ideas coming from Geert Wilders and the PVV is “Nexit.” Wilders, who remains vocal about his desire for the Netherlands leave the EU, coined the term “Nexit.” During this year’s election, it remained part of his agenda.
Accordingly, for Wilders and the PVV, the goal is for a sovereign Netherlands with control over currency, borders, and rules. Hence why the PVV and Wilders believe the EU is “an institution that is pulling…power to itself, and hoovers up taxpayer money.”
The PVV manfiesto also proposes for all EU nationals to have work permits. This means, that even if you have an EU passport, you would be required to apply and hold a work permit.
Finally, Wilders has put it on the PVV’s agenda to curb the number of international students. In its manifesto, the PVV emphasizes that universities’ primary responsibility should be to the Dutch student and that student migration needs to be “rigorously limited.”
Consequently, the PVV is proposing to eliminate English-language undergraduate courses as a way to begin reducing the number of international students.
PVV Campaign Manifesto
The PVV’s manifesto is quite long, but the major topics of concern for expats, highly skilled migrants, and international students are mentioned above.
Nonetheless, the 46-page manifesto covers other topics that can alter the opportunity and quality of life for non-Dutch civilians.
One main topic also in the manifesto is regarding Islam. The PVV manifesto includes ideas such as “less Islam in the Netherlands through non-Western immigration and halt to asylum.”
Throughout the manifesto, Wilders also proposes stricter immigration policies and opting out from current EU migration rules.
The PVV also opposes dual nationality.
Ultimately, for Wilders and the PVV, the main goal of the PVV is to restore and celebrate Dutch culture. “The left-wing hatred in which heroes from our history are taunted is ending. Apologies for the slavery past…are withdrawn. Zwarte Piet remains,” states the manifesto.
The Coming Months
It can be frightening to learn that the party winner believes Dutch people need to “take back the Netherlands by closing borders to …fortune seekers from other cultures.”
However, Wilders and the PVV do not necessarily represent the consensus of the Dutch people. Being a democracy, all ideas are up for debate and any changes will be a tweaked version of the original.
Nonetheless, Wilders still has a long road ahead. To become prime minister, Wilders and the PVV need to form coalitions with the other parties holding seats in parliament.
That being said, the PVV does keep gaining support in other areas. Martin Bosma was just elected chair of the Lower House of parliament. Bosma has been a member of parliament for Wilders’ party since 2006. Presently, he is now the first from the nationalist party to be elected chairman of parliament.
At All About Expats we understand the importance of keeping our expat, highly skilled migrant, and international community abreast of the changing political landscape in the Netherlands. We will monitor and provide updates via our blog and on LinkedIn. Please be sure to follow us.
Remember, you can always book a consultation if you have any concerns or questions regarding your immigration and visa status.
