The shock over the election victory of right-wing populist Geert Wilders is now mixed with anger. On Thursday evening there were demonstrations in various Dutch cities against discrimination, racism and hatred of Islam. A large meeting was planned in Amsterdam for Friday.
In Amsterdam, a few hundred people gathered on Dam Square, the central square in the city center. They warned against hatred of Islam and xenophobia. The meeting initially started as a demonstration for the rights of Palestinians and against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
“You are not alone”
According to media reports, around a thousand people also gathered at the city hall in Utrecht. They shouted “You are not alone” and warned that fundamental rights apply to all citizens.
The reason for the protests was the election victory of Wilders’ anti-Islam party on Wednesday. The Freedom Party (PVV) has won 37 of the 150 seats in Parliament and is now in the process of forming a government.
Long and difficult coalition talks are expected
Long and difficult coalition talks are expected. The PVV chairman reacted with disappointment on Friday to the refusal of the right-wing liberal VVD to participate in a cabinet. “That doesn’t make things any easier,” said the 60-year-old in The Hague. “Forming a government could now take months.”
Source: Krone
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