Far-right vote in Holland, chaos in the streets

Hundreds of people gathered on Dam Square in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to protest racist, discriminatory and far-right policies, and reacted to the fact that the PVV, led by Wilders, finished first in the election.

The demonstration was attended by many Dutch people, as well as refugees and activists from different ethnicities and communities, “No to fascism, racism, discrimination and Islamophobia.” the message was given.

The speeches highlighted that the votes of far-right parties increased significantly in the general elections held on November 22.

Speakers reacted to discriminatory policies in the Netherlands, as well as the Israeli administration’s failure to denounce its apartheid practices against Palestinians and the Dutch government’s failure to call for a ceasefire, despite the attacks on Gaza. .

Protesters chanted slogans such as “Unity against racism” and “Wilders? They carried signs reading “No, thank you,” “Together against fascism and racism” and “No to fascism, not now or later,” and chanted slogans “No to fascism” and “Stop racism.”

“I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISE OF THE EXTREME RIGHT”

Jacky Matie, one of the organizers of the demonstration, told the AA correspondent that although the far-right party won yesterday’s election results, they gathered to show that many people in the Netherlands did not support these results.

“I am concerned about the rise of the far right and fascism.” Matie pointed out in his own words that the results of yesterday’s elections mean that a large part of Dutch society supports the extreme right.

Matie explained that the election results could affect “different” groups in society, saying: “These people should also be able to make their voices heard.” saying.

Explaining that when they were young in the Netherlands, they wanted to change policies by increasing solidarity and aid, Matie noted that anti-immigrant sentiment and the media allowed the rise of the far right.

“THE RIGHT OPENED THE DOOR TO THE EXTREME RIGHT”

One of the protesters, 28-year-old Dutchwoman Anna Mattisse, said a large number of people expected right-wing and far-right extremists to increase their votes, but they did not expect this level of increase.

Mattisse noted that the left could not express itself enough and could not reach society at large, stating: “The right opened the door to the far right.” he said.

Mattisse highlighted the danger of marginalization of different groups in Dutch society and noted that this situation may produce different results in the next elections.

“I’M VERY DISAPPOINTED”

Dutchwoman Joyce van Loon, holding a sign reading “Hands off my veil,” said: “I was very surprised and seriously disappointed by the election results.” he said.

Claiming that Wilders softened his anti-Islamic and anti-foreign rhetoric in the election campaign to increase his votes even though he was against Islam, van Loon claimed that Wilder convinced people with his promises on economic and social policies and increased their votes.

Van Loon stressed that he was concerned and seriously concerned and stated that Wilders was dividing Dutch society, Muslims and people of other religions.

Van Loon said: “Today, while I was cycling to work, someone shouted at me: ‘Go away, Muslim.’ This is a direct result of what he (Wilders) did. “I don’t think it’s good for the country.” he said.

THE EXTREME RIGHT IS GROWING IN THE NETHERLANDS

The PVV, led by Wilders, more than doubled the 17 seats it won in the 2021 election and gained 37 deputies. The PVV’s vote percentage increased by 10.8 points to 23.5.

The Forum for Democracy Party (FvD), led by another far-right, Thierry Baudet, lost 5 deputies compared to the 2021 elections and fell to 3 seats. The JA21 Party also decreased from 3 seats to 1 seat.

Consequently, the total number of far-right seats in parliament increased from 28 to 41.

While the Socialist Party (SP), led by Lilian Marijnissen, lost 4 deputies compared to the 2021 elections and gained 5 seats, the Peasant Citizen Movement Party (BBB), which has the most seats in the Dutch Senate and won a seat in the House of Representatives in 2021 he won 7 seats. (AA)