The day after Geert Wilders’ surprise victory in the Dutch general election, all – or almost all – of the European far right sent him their congratulations; in contrast to the almost universal silence of the heads of state and government of the European Union.
Only Viktor Orban reacted publicly to the capture of 35 seats by the Party for Freedom (PVV), a populist and Islamophobic group. “The wind of change is here,” said the Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister happily At.
Rejection of the extreme right? Simple caution while Mr Wilders is not sure of forming a majority around the PVV? No other leader of the Twenty-Seven and not the least institutional leader has yet dared to support the success of the nationalist. A historic breakthrough that most European heads of state and government in his own camp did not greet without applause.
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In France, Marine Le Pen (National Rally) was quick to praise the “spectacular performance” of her “ally”. This victory “shows that more and more countries within the European Union are questioning its functioning and want to control immigration, which many people see as massive and anarchic,” she judged France InterThursday morning.
Sentenced for his comments on immigration
Asked about Mr Wilders’ desire to organize a referendum on leaving the EU, she replied: “It is up to the Dutch people to decide their fate, just as the British people did.” » But the The leader of the RN faction in the National Assembly seems to be of the opinion that such consultations are no longer necessary because “the victory of the PVV shows us.” [que] As long as the French mobilize, we have the opportunity to radically change the majority within the European Union.”
His far-right competitor in the last presidential election, Eric Zemmour (who, like Mr. Wilders, was convicted by the courts for anti-immigration comments), also sent his “congratulations.” “Like a recapture!” [le parti de M. Zemmour]He made the fight against Islamization and the “great replacement” of his country a priority. This is an emergency for Europe [tout] completely”, has written on the former journalist of Le Figaro.
In Italy, Matteo Salvini, chairman of the league and infrastructure minister, announced the same social network the “extraordinary election victory” of a “historic ally” of his party. The President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni – nor her party, Fratelli d’Italia – have commented on the issue.
“More and more Europeans are demanding on the streets and at the ballot box that their nation, their borders and their rights be defended,” cheers the president of Vox in Spain. Santiago Abscal. In Belgium, Tom Van Grieken, leader of the Flemish right-wing extremist party Vlaams Belang, is celebrating At a “big celebration in the Netherlands”: “It is clear that the population is striving for real change. Not only in the Netherlands, but also in Flanders. Parties like ours are emerging all over Europe! »