Geert Wilders, often referred to as the 'Dutch Trump,' secures victory in the Netherlands' Prime Minister election with a pledge to tighten immigration policies, prohibit mosques, and Islamic schools.

 Geert Wilders, a prominent anti-Islam populist figure often likened to the 'Dutch Trump,' secured a significant triumph in the Dutch elections, as per an almost complete count of the votes early on Thursday, November 23. This unexpected shift towards the far right marks a departure from the Netherlands' previous reputation for more liberal policies.

The election outcome positions Wilders to lead discussions for the formation of the next governing coalition, potentially making him the first far-right prime minister in the country. With nearly all votes tallied, Wilders' Party for Freedom was projected to secure 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, surpassing the 17 seats won in the previous election and two more than predicted by an exit poll.

In response to his victory, Wilders, also known as the Dutch Donald Trump, expressed astonishment, stating, “I had to pinch my arm.” Despite his strong rhetoric, he began reaching out to other right and center parties, emphasizing in his victory speech that any policies he advocates will adhere to the law and constitution.

Wilders' election agenda included proposals for a referendum on the Netherlands' exit from the European Union, a complete cessation of accepting asylum-seekers, and border controls for migrants. The manifesto also called for the "de-Islamization" of the Netherlands, expressing a desire to eliminate mosques and Islamic schools, although his tone towards Islam during this campaign was relatively milder than in the past.

While Wilders must form a coalition government, the task is challenging as mainstream parties are hesitant to align with him. Nonetheless, the magnitude of his victory bolsters his position in potential negotiations. He urged other parties to engage constructively in coalition talks, but the landscape remains complex, with various parties expressing reservations about forming alliances with Wilders' party.

The election, prompted by the resignation of the outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte's coalition in July due to disagreements on migration measures, reflects a significant political shift in the Netherlands.