The Impact of Right-wing Politics on Public Policy in the Netherlands. A Study Exploring the Expected Policy Implications of Muslim Dutch Citizens After the Victory of the Party for Freedom (PVV).

The outcome of the 2023 general election in the Netherlands indicated a shift towards right-wing politics. The Party for Freedom (PVV), led by far-right politician Geert Wilders, rose to victory, introducing a right-wing government. Wilders is renowned for his anti-Islam stance and extreme regulatory policy objectives aimed at restricting Islam in the Netherlands. Although Wilders has taken a more relaxed stance regarding religious bans following the PVV’s triumph, news outlets largely reported concern among Muslim Dutch citizens. This paper investigates whether and how social identity impacts the expected policy implications of Muslim Dutch citizens. Additionally, this study examines whether social position and political representation are expected to be impacted. Through qualitative research, findings of 20 semi-structured interviews indicate varying expectations, yet most respondents who expect negative policy implications as well as consequences on their social positions and political representation, strongly identify as Muslim. In the case of regulatory policy implementation, several respondents intend to leave the Netherlands to preserve their religious freedom. Nevertheless, for some of those that strongly identify as Muslim, trust in the Dutch constitution and other political parties remains high. Besides policy changes, the respondents furthermore expect an increase in discrimination and intolerance, facilitated by the PVV’s victory.