De Campagne Stemming #10

·48 min·4 clips

Political insiders in The Hague speculate that Geert Wilders might not want to become the biggest party in the Dutch elections.

Joost Vullings and Marleen de Rooy host the final episode of their campaign-focused podcast before the Dutch elections. They open by reviewing the hectic weekend of debates, including the Platteland debate in Veenendaal where Forum for Democracy aggressively challenged BBB, accusing them of betraying rural interests. The hosts note Forum's strong social media presence and billboard campaigns. They then discuss the southern debate where SP leader Jimmy Dijk imitated clown Bassie while criticizing Geert Wilders, sparking media discussion about the appropriateness of the impersonation. The conversation shifts to a proposed law requiring democratic internal structures for political parties, seen as a potential constraint on Wilders's PVV. Vullings shares insider rumors from The Hague suggesting Wilders might not actually want to win the election, possibly due to reduced campaign energy or strategic preference for opposition. De Rooy analyzes Wilders's struggle as he transitions from political accuser to being frequently accused. The hosts describe the unprecedented volatility of the campaign, with five parties—PVV, VVD, GroenLinks-PvdA, NSC, and D66—having a realistic chance to become the largest. They highlight key moments from the EénVandaag debate, including Rob Jetten's controversial joke about Princess Amalia promoting military service, which backfired. The episode delves into the PVV Facebook group managed by MPs Michael Boon and Patrick Grijns, which posted AI-generated images of Frans Timmermans, leading to hate and threats. Wilders's response is compared to a poster by the Human Rights Forum accusing right-wing leaders of supporting genocide. The hosts examine campaign strategies, with D66 focusing on optimism, CDA leader Henri Bontebal emphasizing political style and cooperation, and GroenLinks-PvdA highlighting Timmermans's international experience. They discuss Bontebal's refusal to rule out farmer expropriation for nitrogen policy, a reversal from earlier positions. The episode touches on international issues like NATO spending targets and development aid, with Wilders proposing to redirect aid funds to cover tax cuts. Vullings and de Rooy conclude by encouraging voter participation, celebrating Dutch democracy, and teasing their return to regular Friday episodes post-election.

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