New poll of polls shows Wilders’ PVV on the rise

The first poll of polls of the new political year shows a rise in support for the anti-immigration PVV and a slight drop for the ruling Liberal VVD, broadcaster Nos says on Wednesday.

The poll, based on an amalgam of four different polls, puts support for the VVD at between 23 and 27 seats in the 150 seat parliament, while the PVV range is 22 to 26.

The Socialists and Liberal democratic D66 are both at 19 to 23 seats and the Christian Democrats on 17 to 21.

Poll maker Tom Louwerse says there is a clear link between the decision to give a third package of financial support to Greece and the changing political fortunes of the VVD and PVV.

Prime minister Mark Rutte was forced to admit last month that he had been unable to keep an election promise to ensure no more money went to Greece. The PVV wants the Netherlands to pull out of the EU altogether.

The current refugee crisis is unlikely to have had a significant impact on the polls because it is a long-running story, Louwerse said. ‘The question is currently very urgent but that will only strengthen people’s opinions rather than change their point of view,’ he said.