"This election is a direct result of this fragmentation and instability. The far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders dominated the last ruling coalition, but still pulled the plug in July, after less than a year. The various lessons that the Dutch media, political parties, and voters have drawn from this tumultuous experience should be relevant beyond the Netherlands, given that most European countries are struggling with a similar challenge: how to deal with the increasing electoral, ideological and political success."
"Compared to 2002, when an even more chaotic coalition fell after just 12 weeks, there is a lot less debate about whether the far right should have a role in Dutch politics almost as if it has become impossible to imagine a Dutch future without it. This is not surprising, as most Dutch media remain a (largely voluntary) hostage of the far right."
Dutch politics has experienced nine Tweede Kamer elections this century, driven by deep political fragmentation and recurrent governmental instability. The far-right Freedom Party (PVV) under Geert Wilders dominated the last coalition but caused its collapse after less than a year. Media attention has disproportionately focused on far-right figures while granting rising radical-right leaders outsized visibility. Party leadership changes in Forum for Democracy restored media prominence. Many parties and media have normalized far-right presence, reducing debate about its legitimacy. These dynamics mirror challenges elsewhere in Europe as countries grapple with growing electoral and ideological successes of the far right.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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