Dutch Muslims fearful for future after ‘shocking’ election results

Workers take down a billboard portraying the PVV leader, Geert Wilders, near the Dutch parliament in The Hague after the election. Photograph: Robin Utrecht/EPA

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.”