Local parties unimpressed by PVV's plans for domination

The PVV hopes to take many voters from local parties in the municipal elections in 2018, leader Geert Wilders said in a interview with AD over the weekend. Many local parties aren't too worried about this strategy, Trouw reports after speaking to them.'

The PVV shares views with many local parties, Wilders said in the interview. "We already hear of people who want to change", he said. So far the far-right party was only active in The Hague and Almere. "But people want more. I notice that there is a need."

Ronald Buijt, faction leader of Leefbaar Rotterdam, is not overly concerned about the PVV's intentions. "Some voters will indeed consider a move. But we await the possible arrival of the PVV with confidence", he said to Trouw. "We address many of the same problems: the multicultural society, health care. It is good if more parties look critically at things like illegality and asylum seekers. Now we are the only one." Leefbaar Rotterdam may even consider cooperating with the PVV. "But let's first see if there really is a list with Rotterdam election programs."

VenLokaal in Venlo - Wilders' birthplace - wonders whether the PVV knows how municipal politics work. Party leader Luud Pieko sees little risk to his own party from the PVV. "They are more likely to take away votes from national parties like the VVD. The local party voter is convinced that local politics has to play at the local level. The PVV has a very different approach, focusing on national and European policy." he said to Trouw. He added that his party "absolutely does not" support Wilders' ideas. "The way the PVV brings its arguments out, is not shod on knowledge or facts but on gut feelings. From my faction there is absolutely no willingness to cooperate. If there does turn out to be, then I will revoke my membership."

Lijst Kras in Volendam is also not worried. "A large part of Volendam is liberal, but we still reach the people better", leader Loek Kras said to the newspaper. "The PVV first has to become a members party. If people can not become members, they feel excluded. The PVV is basically a one-man party. They are not woven into the periphery of society . I know all my voters. People find that important."