Shocks to the System. Lessons from Geert Wilders’ Victory in the Dutch Elections

The surprising triumph of Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) on November 22, 2023, marked a notable turning point in the Dutch political landscape, catalysing extensive discussions. Pola Cebulak and Florian Lippert analyse this significant event, identifying two critical factors: the strategic adoption of “good populism” by mainstream parties and the unique fragmentation of the Dutch political landscape. These elements are highlighted as not just instrumental in the PVV’s rise but also as potential precursors to a shift toward democratic backsliding in the Netherlands. The policy paper unp... Mehr ...