In Amsterdam, Geert Wilders, the Dutch far right leader, expressed his views on the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands. Despite his party winning the most seats in the last election, Wilders has been unable to form a new coalition government. He criticized the Netherlands for being “Europe’s fool” for accepting a large number of Ukrainian refugees, whom he claimed were coming for free housing, care, and jobs, rather than because of the war in Ukraine.
Wilders is against continuing military aid to Ukraine, believing that the Netherlands should focus on its own defense. This stance on Ukraine is one of the issues that has led to divisions between his far-right Freedom Party (PVV) and potential coalition partners.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is on his way out, stated that Dutch support for Ukraine would continue in the long term, as Wilders is unlikely to find any coalition partner willing to support his aim of cutting it.
Wilders’ comments were in response to a report in Dutch daily Telegraaf about the Dutch central registration facility for Ukrainian refugees reaching capacity due to an influx of Ukrainian men arriving from other EU member states seeking jobs, medical care, or to reunite with family.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the Netherlands. These refugees have the right to travel through the EU and live and work in any member state until at least March 2025 under a temporary EU protection mechanism.
Wilders’ opposition to the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees, and his insistence on prioritizing the defense of the Netherlands, has led to disagreements with potential coalition partners. This has resulted in his failure to form a new coalition government despite his party’s electoral success.
The ongoing debate over the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees and the continuation of military aid to Ukraine has become a major point of contention in Dutch politics, with both sides holding firm on their respective positions.
The influx of Ukrainian refugees into the Netherlands has raised concerns about capacity and the strain on resources. Local officials have reported the challenges posed by these arrivals, particularly relating to housing and medical care.
Wilders’ criticism of the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees reflects wider concerns within the far-right party, but it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached in the ongoing negotiations to form a new coalition government.
