Dutch Farmers' Political Upset Sends Shockwaves Through Europe
The Farmer-Citizen Movement Party, which opposes the Dutch government's climate policies, won the most seats for a single party in the Dutch Senate. The party built its victory on the back of protests against the government’s environmental policies, which aim to slash nitrogen emissions by dramatically cutting back on livestock numbers and buying out thousands of farms. The party appears on course to take 15 of the 75 Senate seats, with almost 20% of the vote. The results mainly indicate that Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s remaining time in office may prove difficult as he faces a challenge to push through any legislation that needs Senate support.