DutchNews.nl - EU elections: Anti-Islam party big winner (update 2)

Geert Wilders' anti-Islam party PVV is the big winner in the European elections in the Netherlands with almost 17% of the vote.

With 100% of the votes counted by late Friday morning, the PVV has taken four of the 25 Dutch seats in the European parliament.

Under EU rules, the results of individual country elections are supposed to be kept secret until all the countries have voted. The Netherlands regards transparency as more important and stresses the formal results will not be made known until Sunday evening.

The biggest loser is the Labour party (PvdA) which saw its support go down from seven seats to three.

'This is a fantastic result,' said Wilders. '...This is good news for everyone who is opposed to the European super state which is slowly becoming Euro Arabia,' the Volkskrant quoted him as saying.

The PVV wants the European parliament to be abolished and says it will not join any of the European parliamentary factions.

During a live tv debate with party leaders, Wilders called on the cabinet to resign.

'The Christian Democrats have lost a third of their support, Labour has been halved. Normally you would pack your bags. The voter has spoken,' he said.

The biggest Dutch party remains the Christian Democrats, with 20% of the vote and five seats, compared with seven at the last European elections.

The other big winner is the Liberal Democratic party D66 which has taken three seats, compared with just one at the last European election. D66 fought a staunchly pro-European campaign.

'There has been a clear no vote and a clear yes vote,' party leader Alexander Pechtold said.

But he pointed out that the anti-Europe parties had won just eight of the 25 Dutch seats.

The right-wing Liberals (VVD) took three seats (down one), the Socialists and orthodox Christian parties each remaining on two. The pro-animal PvdD failed to get enough votes and will not be going to Brussels.

The turnout in the Netherlands was 36.5%, less than at the last EU elections when around 40% voted but more than in 1999.

Wilders' PVV emerged as the biggest party in both Rotterdam and The Hague, while D66 and GroenLinks were clear leaders in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

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I think these results are a shame for the great tradition of Dutch tolerance and it is crazy to see how after almost ten years in which EU has brought more wealth, security and strong policies somebody is still out there fighting an inevitable process! You really "see" the future huh?!

By Jacopo | June 5, 2009 8:07 AM

Dutch society have shown to go that direction. we should respect it !! The mean factor of his success is the tactics of "controversy generation" to gain media recognition. create controversy and you will get the attention of all western media. If History is to be recalled during economic hardship people turn to less popular parties without paying attention to their agenda. Eg check German , Russia and Italy in 1940s

By kwabena | June 5, 2009 9:27 AM

I always wanted to know , what is meant by anti Islam, or anti Arabs, does it mean anti Moroccan/Turkish as Arabs , although both in Europe are not Arabs?or Anti Indonesian as an example who are Muslims, but not Arabs? Or anti 2 Billion person (the count of the Muslims in the world including 9 million in USA?) Now, lets say it means anti Arabs!! I wonder , if Mr. Wilder can afford to use water in His car than the Arab oil? Or the Anti Muslims are willing to lose 2 Billion customers who may (not) buy Dutch products anymore,,, It is easy, there is no unique products not there from USA or Asia to replace these products? Are Mr wilder willing to market the Dutch businesses only inside Holland , or in the moon?
As a cultured person , I know that the problem of the Dutch, are with the Moroccan mainly and the Turkish,, do they have a problem with Kuwaiti or Saudi as an example ? The biggest problem in my opinion is the definition: who are the Muslims, and who are the Arabs,,,One more word? if a native white Dutch, become/is a Muslim, do he/she have a right in His country,, or will be included in the (anti Muslim) intolerance? Do people have the right to worship/ become what they want Or not? Lets Imagine , An election in Egypt as an example, and an imaginary party called (anti-European) emerged and win the same percentage of votes... what would the world say? Or according to the PVV the European (non Muslims) are different superior race? which reminds me with a party emerged in Nazi Germany and cost just 55 million victims ??? I think , Europe has to be straight , and try to solve their interior problems without using big Hollowed terms..

By zoser | June 5, 2009 9:43 AM

I don't know when the phrase "dutch tolerance" was coined, but it only means that they put up with things even if they don't like it. So maybe their tolerance has run out.

By AW | June 5, 2009 9:48 AM

Let me add that it's just sad that at the same time that Obama is delivering what could be the most important speech of the last years, about tolerance, interfaith respect and collaboration, we have to see the rise of such parties!

By Jacopo | June 5, 2009 9:49 AM

Did u look at the PVV political platform ?

Those guys are nuts ! It is so stupid ! Middle age like ! They dont give a damn about the European election, they just wanted to make some noise in order to be noticed for the next national election. Pathetic

Wonderful to think that 1 person out of 6 wants me out of NL...

By sebastiaan | June 5, 2009 9:54 AM

(1) a minority of the population voted
(2) this so-called Dutch tolerance seems to me more complacency than conscious tolerance

By Chris | June 5, 2009 10:04 AM

It's sad that at supposedly peak of civilization and globalization, world politicians still use religion discriminatingly as a way to get selected. Religion is suppose to impose tolerance, love, and understanding and unfortunately in the world it is used as a way to start fights between countries or groups of people. I just hope that we can eventually evolve to a point where we can learn to appreciate each other as humans, based on our characters intead of how we perform our beliefs. I guess Mr. Wilders forgot that they called these people to their country because they had labour shortages in the 60s and they were called the guest workers (gastarbeiders). It's also sad that people forget to appreciate what these people have provided for them for so many years.

By Ceyda Demet Ataman | June 5, 2009 10:08 AM

So, only 17% of the Dutch were taking in by Wilders and his Zionist propaganda about brown people. Look at it another way, 83% were not retarded enough to buy the antiislam dictate espoused by these losers. I can see the BNP in the UK get equally weak support from the public.

By dave | June 5, 2009 10:14 AM

Actually it is not a reflection of support for Wilders and his bigotted politics (nor that the Dutch have lost their openess) it more to do with existing frustration with the way things are handled with the main parties.

By Solkhar | June 5, 2009 11:19 AM

First, Turks are not arabs, they are %100 from a different race, different origin and nation. The only commonality between Turks and Arabs are the fact that majority of both are muslim. Even the islam lived by Turks are very different than arabs. The reason for this confusion is because Turkish Ottoman Empire has ruled the arabic world for over 500 years.

Second, probably Netherlands can be the only country in the universe, where a racist and fachist party call itself as "Party of Freedom". What freedom? Hitler was also supporting the freedom for his nation to rule the world. He was supporting the "freedom" of German people to decide not to live with Jews. He just helped for that. So, let's say Hitler was a big freedom supporter, a big liberal. If you buy that !!

By Ozgur | June 5, 2009 11:23 AM

Finally a politician who is willing to speak out loud, what everyone can see for themselves. What an inspiration. A massive victory for democracy.

This should serve as a wake-up call for the political establishment. This is what happens when they consistently ignore the people.

By Rasmus | June 5, 2009 11:32 AM

The fanatics are just better at getting their supporters to the ballot box. And unfortunately during low elections turn outs the silent majorities hopefully resonable voice is lost. Voting should be compulsory with the option to also 'spoil' your vote so it will also not be counted if that is what you really wish. Only thenwould you get 100% of the voting populations real opinion and not just the media attention grabbing views of some.

By Tom | June 5, 2009 11:36 AM

Some comments say, the success of Wilders is a shame for the great tradition of Dutch tolerance.
I think there is a difference between tolerance and stupidness and many Dutch voters have drawn the line.

By Udo | June 5, 2009 12:29 PM

Guy's it is simple:

Let's ask the 17% of the PVV voters to stop using the Arab oil in their car and stop using all Arab derivated products.

Wilders should start first and let's see if he does not shut his big mouth.
I will say this guy should be banned in all countries, same as he wants to ban foreigners in NL.

Wake up Wilders, we are in 2009.
You have got to learn from Obama; this is a leader of the new world.

By Peter | June 5, 2009 1:58 PM

Let's ask the kontrahents of the PVV voters if they want let their children grow up in a society where they can't express their opinion,
where non-Muslims are suppressed,
whose people seek asylum in western countries and independent justice is not known.

By Paul & Mary | June 5, 2009 4:36 PM

I do not think that Dutch tolerance is any less than in previous elections and you can see this by looking around at the harmony people are living in. The problem is that those who can be swayed to vote for a racist party are not properly addressed by the main parties allowing right wingers to step in and convince them that they are speaking sense. The right wing victory is the fault of the major parties and they should do more to engage with the population rather than just care about them when elections come around

By Hitesh | June 5, 2009 5:16 PM

When I see phrases like "Zionist propoganda" and any comparison to Hitler it is a sad reminder of the blidness to the actual situation and the centuries held Jewish hatred here in Europe. bet

By bet | June 5, 2009 5:30 PM

This is classic Dutch common sense. When things get out of control (Theo van Gogh, radical islamic elements etc) we move forward and change things up. And, all you Obama lovers out there - he hasn't done anything yet - lets judge him in 4 years.

By Paul | June 5, 2009 7:02 PM

Do only bigots bother to vote these days? Unbelievable...there's just so much to vote AGAINST.

By Edward Ka-Spel | June 5, 2009 7:43 PM

I guess it is the Nederland's turn at a Bush-type influence in the government. A shame. By the way why does the Nederland have a Christian Democratic party. It sounds like only the Christians are demoncratic, but the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. are left out of the decision process.

By Gail | June 5, 2009 8:52 PM

Some people here describe this fanatic as a politician! How wrong you are! He is a dangerous fanatic who should be imprisoned! Shame on The Netherlands!

By Joshua | June 5, 2009 10:22 PM

I am totally unable to understand fierce reaction on this victory. It's more then logical. I just try to imagine myself a well-of, modern and positive Dutchman (even if he is NOT untiislamic like me). Wat has he in common with all these troubled and poor crowds of people in developing contries - EU-candidates and new members? And why should he live together whith them and LOVE them just to satisfy smbs political ambitions for the Great Big Europe? ... It is beyond my understanding.

By Rubens | June 5, 2009 10:59 PM

this is a great news... Wilders always says the truth despite death threats... netherlands is a country that everyother must keep as a great example.

By Jack | June 6, 2009 12:46 AM

Well done Geert. I only hope you can grow stronger and prevent this great country going down the toilet.

By John Williams | June 6, 2009 1:44 AM

Funny how all the so-called tolerant people lose all their tolerance when things don't go their way and start shouting hateful rhetoric. You never have been and never will be tolerant. You've always been an extremist faction representing a narrow bandwidth of interests seeking to impose big government, big taxes, and anything that diminishes the individual.

By John G | June 6, 2009 3:59 AM

I hope the PVV wins the national election with a majority. Geert is a hero for Holland, he speaks the truth about Muslims in Europe. How can anyone not see what is going on? How long can a country tolerate a political ideology group who if their motives are questioned use violence and intimidation. Holland is a beautiful country with beautiful people and a wonderful culture. Stop importing conflict. Remember Theo Van Gough, he had a knife driven through his chest in front of his house for making a movie about how Islam treats women.

By James | June 6, 2009 4:28 AM

Freedom...huh...!

this word is Just in imagination among politics!!!Few people just want to apply their own concept & theories on nation without knowing the problems & result behind their openions & decisions....!In this way they're just creating difference between humans!

By AAA | June 6, 2009 9:45 AM

You have to realize without the EU with out foreign workers Holland has nothing! I have no problems with muslims guess what I speak to them and I treat them like any other person perhaps thats the problem I can see it everyday in school dutch people look at them like they have a sickness intoleranz get's you no where!!

Ok there are lot of muslims in Holland perhaps Balkenendes immigration politics went the wrong way he is to long in power but why are the duth people have elected him again and again?? Remember history WW2 times where hard and that's the time where some politician will go for it " brainwash" easy isn't it that's what Mr Wilders is doing nothing else!!

Will he solve the important issues jobs, recession and so one I don't think so.

ames don't be a follower be a indivitual think first carefully before you follow the monkeys.
Look dutch people want there " freedom of speech" if I want my freedom of speech dutch people tell me go back where you come from how sad how horrible one rule for one and one for another NO NO it does not work that way.
The story with Theo V.G. well wrong time wrong place that can happend to anyone. I was not impressed by the work he was doing. There are certain rules in the world I don't cross them I'm not gobbing off I would never speak with disrespect have no intention.
Jews muslims chritians are world religions they will not go away so better we tolerate them and have peace at least we keep trying.
So I'm finish now ...

By Minnie | June 6, 2009 9:51 AM

Hopefully people of Europe will start to realize what a danger Islam is.
It would be enough to see what Islam did to Eastern Christianity, in Middle East, North Africa and Asia Minor - it was literally erased! Why is there no Buddhism in India? Because Islam erased it! What about millions of Christian slaves from Europe sold as recently as 1820s in the pirate states of Tunis, Tripoli and Algiers? Only French invasion in 1830 stopped this! Why nobody wants to see these historical facts about so called "religion of peace"?

By Ron | June 6, 2009 8:05 PM

Does the Dutch really think that all Americans are still buying the crap that Obama has been selling,please spare us here in America,do you really buy his rhetoric?

By schon shea | June 7, 2009 3:35 AM

Ron,

No one has any illusions about Islam being any more or less repressive than the other religions. The question is if you want to organize our lives and country around a paranoid delusion that your everyday muslim neighbour is here to trade you as a slave in Algiers.

The irony is that this PVV party want to ban both ethnicities and books, all in the name of preserving European values. Way to go. I think those particular European values were left behind a fifty years ago.. That alone should be the reason more than 90% of eligble Dutch did *not* vote for Wilders - even if everyone and the media somehow tries to twist this election result as a Dutch landslide into extremism.

By Mats | June 7, 2009 9:44 AM

It is funny that people changed historical facts and then believe their lies,,some is mentioning piracy and slaves in Tunisia,, and how it was stopped by the French invasion,,
first they do not know what is meant by the curse of Ham: The Talmud deduces two possible explanations (attributed to Rab and Rabbi Samuel) for what Ham did to Noah to warrant the curse.
the "curse of Canaan" story as an early Hebrew rationalization for Israel's conquest and enslavement of the Canaanites, who were presumed to descend from Canaan
It was to justify racism and the enslavement of people of Black African ancestry, who were believed to be descendants of Ham. They were often called Hamites and were believed to have descended through Canaan or his older brothers. This racist theory was widely held during the 18th-20th centuries

Of course that is not related at all to Islam,, as we can see it is the Bible not the Quraan..
If some bad Muslims did some piracy /enslaving on a personal level and were fought by the Muslim authorities there,, In Europe , Pirates were nominated and honored by their queens and kings and gained titles for their activities,, we do not have to start that discussion because it will open old injuries for the Dutch,, but it is funny how some people think and justify invasion and occupation of others..

By Zoser | June 7, 2009 9:58 AM

Let the Wilders/PVV circus begin under the international "big-top"!

It should be entertaining to watch the Dutch squirm as their tolerance hypocrisy is made known to the rest of the world.

By Quest | June 7, 2009 1:53 PM

You know, the world only needs one Geert Wilders in a presidency chair to have another holocaust & world war.

By heso | June 7, 2009 2:42 PM

@Ron

If you wish to refer to history as an example of today, then start looking at what was done in the name of Christianity, the destruction of south american civilization in the name of faith. Why not mention that when Pope Urban II declared the first Holy Crusade that in the first year it was Jews in Europe that first was targetted and slaughtered.

Do not confuse politics by "man" than by the religion that they folllow and abuse as a tool - even the holocaust was tauted as God's justice by the hierachy of Hitler's Germany. Why not count the targets of slavery, white Christian and at the time racist and biggotted America, why not talk about apartheid etc?

By Solkhar | June 7, 2009 3:36 PM

QUOTE
During a live tv debate with party leaders, Wilders called on the cabinet to resign.

'The Christian Democrats have lost a third of their support, Labour has been halved. Normally you would pack your bags. The voter has spoken,' he said.
QUOTE

He needs to go back to school, his party got 17% of the vote, when less than 40% of the electorate voted. So apparently less than 7% of the electorate support his party for the EU parliament.

Only a complete idiot or an utter egomaniac would think that was any justification to call for the national government to resign.

By Louise | June 7, 2009 5:14 PM

Since the government lacked a majority in parliament, Hitler held a new election in March 1933. With the communists eliminated, the Nazis dominated the election with 43.9%, and with their Nationalist (DNVP) allies, achieved a parliamentary majority (51.8%). You know the rest of the story... We now see a new Adolf is on the rise.. If Dutch people love Adolf, they should keep not voting!

By James Edwards | June 8, 2009 1:34 AM