Dutch centre-right party rules out coalition with unbelievably untrustworthy Wilders
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Dutch Citizens Conduct Unauthorized Border Checks Amid Migration Row
Above: German federal police officers control cars at the A3 motorway at a border control station between Emmerich, Germany, and Arnhem, Netherlands, on May 8, 2025. Image copyright: Ina Fassbender/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Dutch vigilantes setting up border checkpoints is unlawful and dangerous. Inspired by their far-right leader Geert Wilders, these actions undermine legal authority and fuel division. Besides that, stopping cars and checking IDs isn't even a solution to immigration concerns. Official border controls are in place to ensure proper security measures without the hindrance of vigilantism.
Right narrative
Dutch citizens are protecting their country because the authorities refuse to do so. Geert Wilders' exit from the coalition highlights this growing public demand for stricter controls, ignored by the liberal establishment, whose purposeful failure to secure borders is shown by audits confirming official police checks aren't working. Dismissing them as far-right ignores real concerns and will only embolden the Dutch people.