AMSTERDAM — Dutch anti-Islam, anti-EU populist politician Geert Wilders looks set to become the Netherlands's next prime minister after his Freedom Party (PVV) was leading exit polls in a parliamentary election on Wednesday (Nov 22).
Following is some of the initial reaction.
"The winds of change are here! Congratulations to Geert Wilders on winning the Dutch elections!"
"Congratulations to Geerts Wilders and the PVV for their spectacular performance in the legislative elections which confirms the growing attachment to the defence of national identities.
"It is because there are people who refuse to see the national torch extinguished that the hope for change remains alive in Europe."
"I would like to congratulate Geert Wilders on this victory. It is clear: the population is yearning for real change. Not only in the Netherlands, but also in Flanders. Parties like ours are coming all over Europe!”
"More and more Europeans demand in the streets and at the polls that their nations, their borders and their rights be defended."
"Congratulations to our friend Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV and historic ally of the League, for this extraordinary electoral victory. A new Europe is possible."
"The distress and fear are enormous.
"Wilders is known for his ideas about Muslims and Moroccans. We are afraid that he will portray us as second-class citizens."
"A Wilders government will mean four years of climate change denial, exclusion and a breakdown of the rule of law."
"Democracy has spoken, now it's time for us to defend democracy, to defend the rule of law. We have to make a fist against exclusion, against discrimination."
"It is up to Wilders to show he can form a majority. I don't see it happening."
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