Posted on 03/04/2010 1:08:51 PM PST by pissant
AMSTERDAM/THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Dutch anti-Islamist leader Geert Wilders scored major gains in local authority polls on Thursday, making him a serious challenger for power in a June national election, preliminary results showed.
In the first test of public opinion since the collapse of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's coalition government last month, Wilders's Freedom Party (PVV) led in the city of Almere and was second in The Hague.
The results came on top of an opinion poll showing that the PVV, which campaigns against Muslim immigration as its main platform, would win the most seats -- 27 in the 150-member Dutch parliament -- in the June 9 election.
That would make it tough for Balkenende's Christian Democrats, projected to win one seat less, to forge a strong coalition without Wilders. Months of talks between parties, and the resulting policy vacuum, could threaten a fragile economic recovery and cast doubt on the scope of planned budget cuts.
The popularity of Wilders, who compares Islam to fascism and the Koran to Adolf Hitler's book "Mein Kampf," has dented the image of the Netherlands as a country that has often portrayed itself in the past as a bastion of tolerance.
The PVV has been pitching its policies to a nation of 16 million that is turning increasingly inward as the economy struggles and social tensions rise. There are nearly 1 million Muslims in the Netherlands.
"The leftist elite still believes in multi-culturalism, coddling criminals, a European super-state and high taxes," Wilders told cheering supporters at a rally in Almere after polling ended on Wednesday.
"But the rest of the Netherlands thinks differently. That silent majority now has a voice," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at swissinfo.ch ...
Heres to the Dutchmen finding a pair.
About time a few folks here in Congress and the Senate do also.
Or else it is time to throw the bums out.
Hey folks, this IS and always has been a Christian Nation.
Try acting like it.
Its probably too late, they are part of the EU aren’t they?? Then its definitely too late.
Take back your country, Halt Muslim immigration. Stop paying welfare benefits to Muslims. Do nothing to make them comfortable in your society. Stop tolerating their agitation and agreeing to their demands. Ban the burqa and hijab. See how long they keep pouring in.
GO Geert!
Wilders is a brave, brave man!
Note the omission of the usual loaded descriptors of “fringe” and “extreme” now that he’s won an election. This paper is smart enough to realize that as a matter of definition, a majority cannot also be the “fringe”.
video of Geert Wilders speaking to his supporters in Almere, with a fresh translation by VH and subtitling by Vlad Tepes: http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/
Allahu fubar!
“The popularity of Wilders, .... has dented the image of the Netherlands as a country that has often portrayed itself in the past as a bastion of tolerance.”
Note how this is stated. They blame Wilders for intolerance! The intolerance is coming from the radical bearded jihadis, not Wilders!
In case you hadn't noticed the EU is fraying at the seams these days. First their shiny new constitution shot down, now troubles with the Euro and several member states on the verge of bankruptcy. Just because any nation is a member now doesn't mean they have to stay a member. Any or all of them can opt out at any time.
Wilder. Run for office, seize back your nation.
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