The remarkable economic promises of Dutch far-right leader Wilders
Far-right leader Geert Wilders’ party came first in polls in the Netherlands, turning all eyes in Europe on the country.
Although Wilder’s radical, anti-Islamic and xenophobic traits stand out, the country’s economic difficulties and the far-right leader’s promises had an effect on the electoral results.
In the early general election held in the Netherlands on November 22, the Freedom Party (PVV) of far-right leader Geert Wilders came first by a wide margin.
Wilders, who finished the election by a wide margin by winning 37 of 150 seats in Parliament with 23.5 percent of the vote, will need to form a coalition to form a government.
THE HOUSING EXPENSE AND CRISIS ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE CAMPAIGN
Although there are still uncertainties about the coalition in the country, the victory of the far-right leader at the polls created a cold shower effect in Europe. Although Wilders’ anti-Islam and anti-refugee stance was mainly highlighted in the media, the far-right leader’s victory was based on his campaign to combat problems such as the cost of living crisis and food shortages. households.
Furthermore, the far-right leader’s post-election coalition plans caused him to soften his anti-Islamic rhetoric. During the campaign, Wilders highlighted the cost of living crisis and said there were bigger problems than reducing the number of refugees.
Wilders, who promised during the campaign to be “everyone’s prime minister” in the Netherlands “regardless of religion, origin, gender or anything else”, said the cost of living crisis was a higher priority.
During the campaign, the far-right leader focused primarily on his promise to “give back the old Netherlands” to voters who have felt the economic hardship the most in recent years.
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC PROMISES?
The far-right leader, who made promises especially for low- and middle-income groups, who suffered a greater economic decline after the coronavirus epidemic and the war in Ukraine, emphasized that they will give more priority to issues of social security, health and asylum.
Wilders also promised to reduce the economic burden on low-income people, reduce taxes, increase the minimum wage, reduce health insurance costs, and provide better quality health services and care.
Also notable was Wilders’ promise to lower the retirement age, which had gradually risen to 70, to 65.
While Dutch pensioners can eat meat once a week, the far-right leader, who claims that refugees living on cruise ships due to lack of space live in luxury, has promised to spend every penny in the country on people instead. of in refugees.
NEXT PROMISE THAT CALLS ATTENTION
Wilders, who advocates Nexit, which means the Netherlands leaving the EU and returning to its own national currency, also wants to send less money from the Dutch budget to Brussels.
However, it is believed that Wilders, who will have to govern the country with a coalition if he manages to form a government, will not be able to implement such radical approaches in the short term.
While Dutch bank ING expects the new government to continue with old spending policies, it predicts that the party’s populist promises will lead to a structural budget deficit of around 3 percent of GDP by 2028.
CLIMATE EXPENDITURE CRITICISM
Wilders, who criticizes the financial support given to Ukraine, also stands out as a strong supporter of Israel. Wilders is also critical of climate scientists and believes the government is spending too much to reduce CO2 emissions.
He advocates keeping coal and gas power plants open and suggests stopping the construction of solar parks and wind turbines. He also wants to withdraw the Netherlands from the UN’s Paris climate agreement.
Instead, preaching climate adaptation, Wilders advocates investing in dam-related projects.
Source: Sozcu
Andrew Dwight is an author and economy journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of financial markets and a passion for analyzing economic trends and news. With a talent for breaking down complex economic concepts into easily understandable terms, Andrew has become a respected voice in the field of economics journalism.