In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders’ far-right party won a historic score in the November legislative elections. Inflation, immigration and the housing crisis, our reporter Valérie Gauriat explores the causes of this spectacular political shift by the Dutch.
The embodiment of the far-right in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, or Freedom Party, came first in last November’s legislative elections with 23% of the vote. The champion of national preference hit the mark, in a climate of deep economic and social crisis.
Between hope for change and worry
At the central market of Rotterdam, the country’s second city, and one where he made one of his best scores in the last elections, the populist leader seduces some, like a cheese seller we interview. “I voted for Geert Wilders. Something has to change in the Netherlands,” he said. “In a few years I would like to buy a house, but at the moment it is very difficult in the Netherlands; so these elections are a good thing for me,” underlines the young man.
A market customer tells us: “I didn’t vote for Wilders, but I like it! Many people in the Netherlands are fed up with the government listening to everyone except the Dutch!” he says.
The remedies recommended Geert Wildersknown for its anti-immigration and Islamophobic, Eurosceptic and climate skeptic rhetoric, also raise concerns.
“We can be unhappy with the economic situation, with our personal situation, but that is no reason to react in this way!” assures a passerby. “I am worried about the future, for everyone, and even more so of course for immigrants!” she sighs.
Muslims who “wonder if they are still welcome”
In the absence of a parliamentary majority, Geert Wilders must still secure the support of other parties to form a coalition government.
The man had to temper his speech. In particular, he has just abandoned a bill aimed at banning mosques, the Koran, Islamic schools and the wearing of the burqa and niqab in the Netherlands.
Which does not reassure the Muslim community, underlines the Imam of the Essalam mosque in Rotterdam, one of the largest in Europe.
“Due to the elections or the results of the elections, and with the conflict and injustice taking place in Gaza, the violence, but also the discrimination and exclusion of Muslims here in the Netherlands have increased significantly,” says Azzedine Karrat. “We also see people wondering if they are still welcome here; they say very clearly: I no longer feel welcome in the Netherlands and I am looking for a place where I can be myself and where my children can grow up in a healthy environment,” he laments.
Expectations about purchasing power and national preference
In the mosque area, many of those we try to interview refuse to speak on camera.
Those who dare to speak to us put Geert Wilders’ Islamophobic discourse into perspective and bank on it to stem the spiral of inflation and recession, like Rashma, a trader. “Everything is more and more expensive, everything is being taken from you, really, and people are afraid,” she says. “They also want us to talk to them about something other than constant poverty and budget cuts!” she says before adding: “So if (Geert Wilders) said, and if he thinks he can fix the situation, that’s fine with me!”
The retired Dutch couple of Turkish origin that we meet not far from there did not hesitate to vote for Geert Wilders. “Health care is expensive, very expensive, pensions are low, incomes too, and expenses are increasing!” the man disputes. “We look for promotions every day.” he insists. “We need a new government as quickly as possible,” he believes. “Work hard, reduce poverty, move forward, that’s what Mr. Wilders promised; the Netherlands for the Dutch, that’s what he also promised!” he says.
In Kijkduin, refugees “give a bad image to traders”
Closing borders, a leitmotif that appeals in a context of crisis. This is what we see in the small seaside town of Kijkduin, not far from Rotterdam. The tranquility of the town was recently disturbed by the arrival of a few dozen asylum seekers living in a hotel in the middle of the new city center.
Woody Louwerens heads the city’s entrepreneurs association. The arrival of these new inhabitants, he says, is another obstacle to the development of local commerce and tourism.
“Turnover has fallen due to work on the car park entrance, which is two years late and customers are having difficulty accessing the area,” he explains, showing us the place. “In addition, we were surprised to see hundreds of fugitives arriving in this hotel: it’s a bad image for traders!” he assures.
We go to a restaurant on the seafront which has been full since its opening last year, but, according to its manager, attendance has dropped with the arrival of refugees in the neighboring hotel. “Normally there are a lot of German tourists in this hotel, it’s full,” assures Don Bogaart. “There are more than 200 rooms and they gave 60 rooms to other people, to refugees: which means that there are 120 fewer customers who can frequent the local restaurants and shops,” he said.
“We have to take care of the people here first”
The restaurant manager tells us he understands why so many Dutch people voted for Geert Wilders. “There are a lot of things happening in the Netherlands and I think one of the reasons is that it’s really difficult to find accommodation,” he explains. “If you’re alone and you don’t have a good salary, it’s impossible to find one right now,” he emphasizes.
“So, it’s disturbing to see that people who arrive here obtain their papers after a year and that the government gives them housing,” he admits.
“So I understand why people say that things need to change, that we need to close the border and first take care of the people here, who are looking for housing or sleeping in a park,” he said.
Rise in poverty
Return to Rotterdam, hard hit by the housing shortage and the surge in real estate market prices. Added to this is the lack of social housing.
Former entrepreneur, John Van Bruggen experienced precariousness after the bankruptcy of his company a few years ago. Out of the woods, he created an association, the “Overcoming Poverty” foundation, to help the most deprived. The number of beneficiaries continues to increase. “Above all, we see more and more workers, it’s really a growing problem, poverty, and the worst is that there are now children who go to school without eating,” he alerts.
Every week, John distributes food and basic necessities to local residents, like Caroline. A precious help for this mother of four children. Unemployed, she also strives to help her neighborhood. We meet her in front of her home where many objects and clothes are on display. "People bring lots of stuff, I put it outside and others can take it," Caroline explains to us. "No one has money, so we have to help each other," she emphasizes.
Caroline is one of those who count on Geert Wilders to reduce poverty. “I heard he was going to change a lot of things; the country is already full, the Dutch want to help everyone, but you have to help your own country first. This country is nothing but misery!” she exclaims.
Disability and precariousness
John’s help is also welcome at Michel’s. Blind and suffering from attention disorders, he can no longer do his job as a computer engineer. His wife’s income as a housekeeper is not enough to cover the family’s expenses. “Without this help (from John), I would have problems,” Michel tells us. “On paper, I have benefits, but in reality, as I am blind, everything costs me more and takes me more time. For example, I cannot go to a store on foot or by bike, I have to take a taxi or public transport. At the end of the day, I’m out of money.”
In addition to his job, most of the household responsibilities fall on his wife Tiffany. Coming from the United States where she was a nurse, she is also learning Dutch in the hope of being able to work again in the medical sector.
Once their bills and the numerous costs linked to Michel’s disability have been paid, the couple has less than 300 euros left to live on and provide for the needs of their baby.
Michel’s allowances, limited due to the little vision he has left, are also taxable. “He can see dark spots and light spots, he is not considered totally blind,” explains Tiffany. “He shouldn’t be imposed, we shouldn’t make his life difficult,” she believes.
New aid from the future government?
Despite their difficulties, the breakthrough of the far-right in the Netherlands worries Michel and Tiffany. But the couple nevertheless expects changes from the future government, in particular to improve social and health services.
“The local authorities tell me: You already have help at home, your wife!” Michel is indignant. Tiffany exclaims: “Yes, that’s it, you have help, who also has to go to work, study, take care of the baby, of you, of the house! It would be nice to have other help, so that I don’t Don’t be the only person on whom all the burdens of the household fall.” she concludes.