Dutch populist Wilders warns of backlash if he is frozen out

[TomSea]

Dutch populist Wilders warns of backlash if he is frozen out
By MIKE CORDER
Feb. 12, 2017 5:45 AM EST

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch populist Geert Wilders says mainstream politicians in the Netherlands will have to work with his Party for Freedom if voters strongly back his anti-immigration, anti-European Union platform in the country's upcoming election, or face a peaceful backlash.

Wilders' Party for Freedom is polling strongly ahead of the March 15 election for the lower house of Parliament. Mainstream parties, however, have ruled out working in a coalition government with him. That means it would be extremely difficult for Wilders to form a government, since the Dutch electoral system all but guarantees coalitions.

"If voters make the PVV really big — I'm not talking about two or three extra seats, but really big ... they will have to" work with his party, Wilders said in the nationally broadcast interview aired Sunday.

Continued: http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/dutch-populist-wilders-warns-backlash-if-he-frozen-out