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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/23/dutch-muslims-fearful-for-future-after-shocking-election-results-geert-wilders>
"Geert Wilders described it as the “most beautiful day” of his political life.
But for many across the Netherlands, news that Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islam
party had emerged with the most votes in Wednesday’s election set off alarm
bells over what might lie ahead in a country once regarded as a beacon of
tolerance.
“These election results are shocking for Dutch Muslims,” said Muhsin Köktas of
the Contact Body for Muslims and Government. “We did not expect such a party
with a programme that is against the basic principles of the rule of law to be
so big.”
At the helm of the Party for Freedom (PVV), Wilders has long taken aim at
Islam, describing it as a fascist ideology of “a retarded culture” and a
“backward religion”. Since 2004, he has been under police protection and in
2016 was convicted of discrimination after he called Moroccans “scum” at a
campaign rally.
Though he sought to soften his anti-Islam rhetoric in the lead-up to the
elections, the party’s manifesto includes a ban on mosques, the Qur’an and
Islamic headscarves in government buildings. As his party’s gains became clear
on Wednesday evening, Wilders vowed to push policies “within the law and
constitution”.
The apparent change in tone was of little comfort to Köktas. “We have great
concerns about the future of Islam and Muslims in the Netherlands,” he said.
He hoped that people from across the Netherlands would join together to defend
and protect the rule of law. “This is absolutely necessary, not only for the
future of Muslims but also for the future of the peaceful Dutch society,” he
added."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
