Dutch PM Mark Rutte and Geert Wilders. Dutch Government Information Service.As the Dutch election campaign, swayed by far-right leader Geert Wilders, draws to a close, parties set to gain a near-majority in parliament have made proposals threatening the rule of law: bills on denaturalisation and digital privacy that pose threats to individual rights have been approved by parliament.
The rule of law under threat
A report published by the Dutch Bar Association last month shows that 40 per cent of the programmes of Dutch parties contain proposals in conflict with the rule of law, fundamental human rights and the right to due process.
Though election polls have been rather volatile over the last couple of weeks, three parties on the right of the political spectrum appear set to win a near-majority in parliament ahead of the election. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the Party for Freedom (PVV), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), are set to win a total of between 60 and 72 seats. 76 seats are required to gain a majority in the 150-seat parliament.
