In the midst of Dutch authorities banning Turkey's Family and Social Affairs Minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya from entering the Turkish Consulate in Rotterdam on Saturday, a report prepared by experts from the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) stated that "radical conservative ideologies have gained momentum and taken control of European politics."
The recently published report, which was prepared by prominent experts Enes Bayraklı and Oğuz Güngörmez, further stated that the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders's anti-Islam and anti-refugee rhetoric is used as a "tool to gain votes" while also "legitimizing" such remarks ahead of parliamentary elections in the Netherlands on March 15.
The Dutch election is being closely watched in France and Germany, where populist anti-EU and anti-immigration politicians hope to make major gains in national elections this year and deliver upsets that could reshape European politics.
In that respect, the SETA experts' report stressed that "the radical far-right ideologies have gained the upper-hand, and began to overshadow the discussions on actual matters while causing polarization in the Dutch society."
While giving examples of extremist remarks by Wilders, the report noted that the main right and left wing parties have also been influenced by such extremist remarks.
Drawing attention to polling institute IPSOS's survey on the Dutch election process, the report said the survey revealed that 86 percent of the Netherlands felt threatened against their values and norms.
Furthermore the comprehensive report underlined that the "radical far-right atmosphere that the Netherlands has drawn into throughout its election period, has also began to negatively affect country's bilateral relations."
In regards to the Netherlands' relations to the European Union, experts say that a political equilibrium, in which is likely to include the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), will lead anti-EU groups to become stronger during the near future, thus "signaling Netherlands' leave from the union."
Meanwhile regardless of whether Wilders becomes the first or second party in parliament, experts state that he is to conduct a strong opposition in parliament.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.