Geert Wilders, the leader of the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV), has won a significant victory in the Netherlands’ general election, set to secure 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, more than double the 17 secured in the last election, AP News reports.
The PVV’s election program includes calls for a referendum on leaving the EU, a halt to accepting asylum-seekers, and “de-Islamization” of the country. Despite criticism from human rights groups, Wilders emphasized that his policies would be within the law and constitution.
The election results put Wilders in a position to lead talks to form the next governing coalition and potentially become the first far-right prime minister of the Netherlands.
