Geert Wilders, the Dutch anti-Islam populist, has abandoned his attempt to become prime minister despite his party's victory in the 2023 elections. In a post on X, he stated that he could only become prime minister if all parties in the coalition supported it, which was not the case.
His Freedom Party (PVV) won the most votes but requires coalition partners to govern. Talks are ongoing with three other parties: the centre-right liberal VVD, New Social Contract (NSC), and the farmers' party BBB. The leaders of these parties have insisted that none of the four party leaders should take a role in the government, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.
The negotiator, Kim Putters, is due to present his report to parliament on Thursday. He is expected to propose an 'extra-parliamentary cabinet', a minority government where party leaders remain as MPs and ministers are drawn from both politics and outside. Such a cabinet would have a figurehead prime minister and a limited policy agenda, giving more power to parliament.
This model is favoured by NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt and VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz. The PVV's victory sent shockwaves through Dutch politics and Europe, as the Netherlands is a founding EU member. The last time a prime minister did not come from the largest party was in the 1980s, and the last time a premier was not a party leader was in 1918.
