Dutch Muslim Community in Disarray: In a startling turn of events, Dutch Muslims find themselves grappling with the unexpected victory of far-right populist Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV). Winning 37 seats out of 150 in the Dutch parliament, Wilders surpassed all predictions, leaving the Muslim community in disbelief.
Muhsin Koktas of the Muslim organization CMO expressed deep shock, stating, “These election results are shocking for Dutch Muslims. We did not expect such a party with a program against the basic principles of the rule of law to be so big.”
Constituting around 5% of the Dutch population, Muslims are now coming to terms with the implications of a political shift that may challenge their place in Dutch society. Abdessamad Taheri, a community worker in The Hague, described the outcome as a “blow” that he needs time to process. Mehdi Koc, an insulation installer, echoed the sentiment, stating his shock at the swing towards the PVV.
Taheri acknowledged the multifaceted message the election sent to Muslims, highlighting both xenophobia and widespread disappointment in the outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s 13-year leadership. He emphasized the challenge of separating Rutte’s perceived failures from Wilders’ controversial stances on issues like banning headscarves and closing mosques.
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Despite Wilders’ post-victory assurance of wanting to be the prime minister for all Dutch people, concerns persist among Muslims about his potential actions in the future. Koc warned against accepting Wilders’ assurances now, fearing that compliance could lead to more drastic measures later.
The Dutch system of coalition government may serve as a check on Wilders’ most radical views, as some in the Netherlands believe. Political analysts predict that cooperation with other parties will be necessary, forcing compromises on Wilders’ agenda.
Kemal Yildiz, reflecting on the situation, noted, “He will not make the laws alone; other parties will join, and they have to cooperate.” The uncertainty looms large for Dutch Muslims as they navigate the repercussions of this surprising electoral outcome.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is the Netherlands Muslim friendly?
Numerous groups in the Netherlands are working to fight discrimination against Muslims. These include Meld Islamofobie!, the Collective against Islamophobia, SPIOR (a platform organization for Islamic organizations and mosques in Rotterdam), Al Nisa (an organization for Muslim women), and the Turkish Forum. Their efforts are aimed at promoting equality and tolerance for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. By working together, these organizations are making a positive impact in their communities and helping to create a more inclusive society.
Which European countries have highest Muslim population?
Islam has a significant presence in Europe, with countries like Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Turkey having a 50-70% Muslim population. Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia have a 30-40% and 10-20% Muslim population respectively. Other countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro, and Russia have a Muslim population of 5-10%. Islam is also present in countries like Austria, Sweden, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark.
How many Muslims are in Utrecht?
Discover the cities in the European Union with the highest Muslim population percentages. The Hague in the Netherlands tops the list with an estimated 14.7%, followed by Utrecht with 10%. Turku in Finland has a Muslim population of 5.7%, while Vantaa in Finland has 7.6%. Explore the full list of 64 cities to gain a better understanding of the Muslim population distribution in the EU.
Who is the anti Muslim politician in the Netherlands?
Geert Wilders, a Dutch politician, founded the Party for Freedom (PVV) in 2006 and has been leading it ever since. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1998 and currently serves as the party’s leader in the House. With his extensive political experience, Wilders is a prominent figure in Dutch politics.