US Influence in European Politics
The dutch government’s recent collapse,fueled by far-right populism,serves as a cautionary tale. Experts, including Bas Erlings, dissect the pitfalls of governing with populist factions, revealing how these alliances can undermine core principles. This breakdown of the political landscape, exploring the impact of immigration policies and internal conflicts, illustrates how far-right idealogies can dramatically shift governmental policies and, collapse them. Consider the role of the “Party for Freedom” in the Netherlands, and the potential of this to influence the relationship to the United States. News Directory 3 brings you an in-depth analysis of these developments. discover what’s next …
Dutch Government Collapse Spotlights Far-Right Populism
The recent collapse of the Dutch government, wich included the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), highlights the difficulties of governing with populist factions, according to Bas Erlings, a former advisor to the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Erlings, in his new book, “The Populist’s Game: How They Plan It, How We Win It,” argues against formal collaboration with the far-right, calling it “the stupidest thing you can do.” he contends that such alliances force parties to compromise their principles.
The four-party coalition, the first to include the PVV, fell apart on June 3 when PVV leader Geert Wilders withdrew support over disagreements on immigration policy. Erlings’s book has gained attention in the Netherlands, but its message resonates internationally, especially with the Trump administration’s support for far-right parties in Europe.
Erlings, a longtime advisor to former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, witnessed firsthand the challenges of dealing with the PVV.Rutte’s first government,from 2010 to 2012,relied on PVV support,allowing Wilders to influence policy while criticizing the government.This arrangement ended when Wilders withdrew support, causing the government to collapse.
Following that experience, Rutte vowed never to govern with the PVV again, a strategy that kept the party in check for years. However, this changed when Rutte’s successor, Dilan Yesilgoz, opened the door to collaboration with the PVV, leading to the party’s surge in the polls and eventual participation in the new government.
Erlings left the VVD when the new government, including the PVV, was formed. The coalition was plagued by infighting and ultimately collapsed when Wilders demanded stricter immigration measures that were deemed unconstitutional.
Erlings argues that far-right parties exert an “iron grip” on their coalition partners,pushing them toward extremism and eroding democratic norms.He believes the far right aims to turn democracy into an “empty shell.”
The collapsed government failed to address key issues such as housing shortages and the rising cost of living, while the PVV focused on immigration, frequently enough using inflammatory rhetoric.
Erlings advises center-right parties to avoid governing with the far right and to better understand the concerns of voters. He cites the work of Daniel Kahneman and Frances Frei, noting that voters consider whether they like a leader, believe in their competence, and feel that they care about them.
In Austria, the Freedom Party (FPO) has been excluded from recent governments. In the Netherlands, Yesilgoz has called Wilders “an incredibly unreliable partner,” signaling a potential shift away from collaboration.