What’s going on? Yesterday PVV member and Geert Wilders’ second man, Hero Brinkman left the party, causing the cabinet to lose majority in parliament.
Why? Brinkman stated that he did not approve of the supposedly undemocratic nature and discriminating tendencies of the party.
Q: What is your opinion on these current developments in the PVV?
A: I am not surprised that people within the PVV are objecting to the party organization, from the outside it also seems like the party solely revolves around Wilders. I would not be surprised if more members follow the same path as Brinkman if Wilders does not democratize his party.
Q: The opposition demands new elections as majority in the cabinet is lost with Brinkman’s departure from PVV, do you think the appeal is justified?
A: I am not an expert on the political system in the Netherlands and what the specific rules are in such situations, but Brinkman has expressed his full support of the cabinet, so it seems that there are no real fundamental changes. A re-election seems excessive.
Q: What lies ahead for the PVV? Will the party last, or is it downhill from here?
A: I think, opponents of the PVV are quick to brush them off, and underestimate the great constituency of the party. They have endured a lot of adversities and polls still show that the party has great momentum and support in society. I think the PVV is here to stay.
Alexandra Rack (22)
Student at the University of Amsterdam
From: Germany
