Dutch anti-Islam populist leader Geert Wilders has abandoned his bid to become prime minister, despite his party’s dramatic victory in the 2023 elections.
Wilder’s Party for Freedom won the most votes in national elections last year, but he failed to persuade potential coalition support to get the top job.
“I can only become Prime Minister if all parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case,” Wilders wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
His comment came after Dutch media, citing unnamed sources, reported a breakthrough in coalition talks on Tuesday night.
Mr Wilders, 60, has spent months in talks with the center-right VVD, New Social Contract (NSC) and BBB farmers’ parties to try and form a coalition government.
Dutch national broadcaster NOS had earlier reported they were considering a scenario in which the party leaders would remain in parliament and not join the new government.
“My expectation is that these parties will take the next step in the Cabinet formation,” the man overseeing the negotiations, Kim Putters, said on Tuesday. He was due to report to Dutch lawmakers on Today.
That sets up the likelihood of a technical Cabinet where politicians and experts not considered closely allied to any of the parties would be appointed to top government posts and work closely with parliament.
Although Wilders will not lead the government, he and his Party for Freedom will remain a significant force behind the administration.
