Dutch Far-Right Leader Geert Wilders Reaches Coalition Deal, Future Prime Minister Uncertain

Geert Wilders, the leader of the far-right in the Netherlands, has reached an initial agreement for his first right-wing coalition government. After winning a surprising quarter of parliamentary seats six months ago, his Party for Freedom (PVV) will lead a somewhat uneasy coalition with three other parties: the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the New Social Contract party (NSC), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).

However, the most pivotal question remains – Who will lead the country? The nationalist Geert Wilders‘ Party for Freedom (PVV) party, along with Mark Rutte‘s center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the New Social Contract party (NSC), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), concluded a coalition agreement early Thursday, steering the Netherlands towards the hard right after a tumultuous six-month negotiation period.

The ongoing dilemma revolves around the uncertainty of the next Dutch Prime Minister. Ronald Plasterk, a former Education and Interior Minister, remains the leading candidate, having played a key role in overseeing the initial talks.

Wilders has positioned himself away from the role of Prime Minister, paving the way for an unconventional «business government» arrangement. This unprecedented setup indicates a departure from the tradition of the largest party’s leader taking the top position.

Although the negotiators have arrived at an agreement, the final confirmation hinges on the parliamentary parties’ concurrence. The potential selection of Ronald Plasterk brings forth the interesting prospect of a partially technocratic government, comprising equal parts politicians and figures from outside the political realm.

The trajectory of Dutch politics is at a critical juncture, with the next government potentially shaping policies on a wide array of issues including the role in NATO and climate change.