Friday, June 5, 2009
Not surprising, given the usual left of center parties' inability to adapt to the realities the voters are facing. Note the subtle snark even in the conservative Telegraph's story: Europe voters swing to Right, say pollsters
The party of far-right anti-Muslim MP Geert Wilders, who was banned from entering Britain earlier this year for his xenophobic beliefs, has won its first four seats in the European Parliament, according to a Dutch exit poll last night.
The result, which places the Freedom Party second in the Netherlands behind the ruling Christian Democrats and ahead of Labour, suggests that many continental voters will swing behind fringe anti-immigrant parties in the European poll.
An exit poll for the Dutch national broadcaster NOS gave Mr Wilders's party around 15 per cent of votes, with the ruling right-of-centre party on 20.3 per cent. It confirms forecasts that the Right will be the main victors of this week's European Parliament elections, with results set to be declared officially in Sunday night after polls have closed in all 27 EU countries.
Mr Wilders, who will not be among his party's MEPs, lives under police protection after numerous death threats for his outspoken views on closing mosques and blocking immigration in Europe's most densely populated country.
The party's message found a resonance in a backlash against the tolerance of immigrants for which the Netherlands has become known. Mr Wilders, 45, instantly recognisable with his shock of dyed platinum hair, last year made a controversial film which portrayed images of extremist violence against a backdrop of the Koran...
Sense in the comments:
It needs to be asked WHY the Dutch have voted in this way?
Rather than denying it and the sulking name calling of Right-wing politicians, it's time the media and our mainstream politicians acknowledged the deep running feelings and frustrations of people throughout Europe.
Time to take note.
Drew, Nottingham
