Ruling party took a narrow victory in Dutch election

Yesterday, the Dutch parliament election was conducted. It resulted in the victory of ruling People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) with 21.2 percent of the vote. In contrast, Party for Freedom led by Mr. Wilders took 13.1 percent.

Mr. Wilders has a far-right policy and promise de-Islamisation of the Netherlands. Some people were afraid that Party for Freedom would win the first position in the Parliament. This worry was not realized.

New Statesman: Dutch election results at a glance

However, it will be difficult for VVD to take the leadership in the coming Parliament. It has to make a grand coalition composed of several parties to form the majority.

The New York Times: The Dutch Election Shows How Not to Defeat Populism

One of the reasons for the victory of VVD seems that it gained the support of some voters with far-right ideology. It will bind the policy-making of the ruling parties.

This year many European countries will a crucial election. Politicians against populism should learn many things from this election.