Wilders‘ Enduring Appeal: Why Voters Remain Loyal despite Controversy
The Hague – Despite a history of inflammatory rhetoric and policy proposals, Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) recently secured a significant victory in the Dutch general election, prompting renewed analysis of the politician’s enduring appeal.Experts suggest Wilders taps into a deep well of resentment and perceived disenfranchisement among a segment of the Dutch electorate, mirroring a pattern established by his predecessor, Pim Fortuyn.
Fortuyn, who rose to prominence in the early 2000s, promised to be ”estimated at actual value,” a sentiment resonating with voters disillusioned by years of coalition governments – described in the text as a period of “purple cabinets.” He successfully attracted voters who felt their struggles where ignored and were swift to assign blame elsewhere.
The text identifies Wilders as Fortuyn’s primary successor, arguing he consistently positions himself as an outsider and victim, capitalizing on the feelings of those who believe the system is rigged against them. This narrative,the analysis contends,is crucial to maintaining voter loyalty.”That is why Wilders does not have to achieve anything in the eyes of his voters. After all, that is expected. If he did create something, their own worldview would fall apart. After all, he then proves that it is indeed possible: transcend your own limitations and create something.”
This dynamic allows Wilders to focus on retribution rather than solutions,exemplified by his recent push to criminalize assistance to undocumented migrants – a policy described as a means of leveraging state power to punish perceived opponents. The text draws parallels to the presidency of Donald Trump, citing a similar focus on silencing and criminalizing opposition.
The author strongly cautions against attempts to co-opt Wilders through coalition agreements,asserting that he is untamable and uninterested in genuine problem-solving. Rather,the piece advocates for a “Cordon Sanitaire” – a complete political isolation of Wilders and his supporters - arguing they are self-deceptive and should be left to pursue their agenda without mainstream validation.The analysis also notes the continued relevance of domestic scandals, such as the childcare allowance scandal and issues surrounding gas extraction in Groningen, suggesting these contribute to a broader climate of distrust in established political institutions, possibly benefiting figures like Wilders. The author explicitly labels the PVV an “unusual-right party.”
