Will Always Support Persecuted Hindus In Bangladesh, Pakistan: Dutch PM Candidate Geert Wilders Thanks Indian Supporters

Conservative-liberal Dutch politician Geert Wilders expressed gratitude to his supporters on Sunday (17 December) following an unexpected victory in the elections.

Wilders known for his strong stance against Islam, also pledged ongoing support for Hindus facing threats in Pakistan or Bangladesh.

He stated, “thanks so much to all my friends from all over the world who congratulated me on winning the Dutch elections. Many kind messages came from India: I’ll always support Hindus who are attacked or threatened to be killed or prosecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan only for being Hindu."

Wilders' anti-Muslim Freedom Party secured a decisive victory in the polls held late last month, yet has faced challenges in forming alliances for coalition negotiations.

Adding to their successes, Martin Bosma was elected as the chair of the Lower House of Parliament last Friday.

However, Wilders encounters complexities in navigating the Netherlands' fragmented political landscape.

Recent reports suggest that he has less than two months to garner support from potential coalition partners who are uneasy about his hardline views.

The far-right leader aims to form a four-way coalition involving the BBB farmers party, the centre-right VVD liberal party, and the recently established New Social Contract party.

In a parliamentary debate on Wednesday (13 December), the far-right lawmaker expressed his aspiration to be the prime minister for "all Netherlanders" and committed to ensuring that his policies align with the country's constitution.

This statement was made to allay concerns among potential coalition partners regarding his strong anti-Islam rhetoric and proposals, which include the ban on mosques, Islamic schools, and the Quran.