The Netherlands' new leader whose manifesto calls for a halt in weapons supplies to Ukraine suffered a major setback on Wednesday evening as he tries to form a government coalition.
His PVV Freedom Party shocked everyone by clinching 37 seats – far beyond what polls had predicted. His preferred coalition is with the BBB farmers party (seven seats), the all-new pro-reform New Social Party (20 seats) and the current ruling party, the center-right VVD (24 seats).
The VVD has already ruled out participation, saying it would "support a center-right coalition" from the opposition benches. The BBB and the NSC were seen as more amenable.
But the NSC and its popular leader Pieter Omtzigt said Wednesday it did not see a way of working with the PVV unless it clarified the more extreme parts of its manifesto.
"All in all, the NSC faction does not now see any basis to start talks with the PVV about a majority or a minority government," said a letter from Omtzigt to the "scout" charged with overseeing the negotiations.
The PVV manifesto "contains views which in our judgement go against the constitution... here we draw a hard line," said the letter.
The manifesto calls for a ban on mosques, headscarves and the Koran, as well as a referendum on a "Nexit" – the Netherlands leaving the European Union.
What does this mean for Ukraine?
It looks positive overall – Wilders can't stop aid to Ukraine until a government is formed and there's a chance it could be something he has to compromise on in order to move forward.
EXPLAINED: The Huge Blow for Geert Wilders and His Anti-Ukraine Aid Stance
