Geert Wilders' Shocking Win in Netherlands Sends Ripples Across Europe

Geert Wilders, a far-right, anti-Islam populist, is projected to win a shocking victory in the Netherlands' parliamentary elections, securing 35 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament. This outcome could potentially make him the country's first hard-right prime minister and have significant implications for Europe. Wilders' election program includes calls for a referendum on leaving the European Union, a halt to accepting asylum-seekers, and the "de-Islamization" of the Netherlands. However, forming a coalition government may prove challenging as mainstream parties are reluctant to join forces with him.