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Dutch populist government to abolish asylum permits

New coalition formed by hard-right firebrand Geert Wilders prepares to clash with EU over immigration and emissions targets

A right-wing Dutch coalition dominated by hard-right nationalists is on course for an early confrontation with the European Union over asylum rules and environmental legislation.

The new government, which said its motto would be “hope, courage and pride”, is dominated by populists after the shock victory of Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) in elections six months ago.

“We are making history today,” Wilders said, announcing his new coalition with three other populist and conservative parties on Thursday morning. “We will go from being the largest opposition party to the largest government party. The sun will shine again in the Netherlands.”

The shock victory of Geert Wilders in November led to six months of negotiations to form a right-wing coalition
The shock victory of Geert Wilders in November led to six months of negotiations to form a right-wing coalition
CARL COURT/GETTY IMAGES

Wilders, a peroxide blond hard-right nationalist sometimes called the “Dutch Trump”, has played a prominent “outsider” role in Dutch politics for almost two