Out' from EU's Mass Migration Agenda
- Geert Wilders argued for national control over immigration policies at the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy.
- He called for the Netherlands to have an 'opt-out' from EU immigration policies to implement stricter rules.
- Wilders' stance reflects a broader sentiment among voters in the Netherlands and other EU countries against mass migration.
Geert Wilders, the Dutch populist leader, emphasized the need for national control over immigration policies during a speech at the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy. He argued that a nation cannot truly be considered a nation if it lacks the ability to manage its borders. Wilders called for the Netherlands to have an 'opt-out' from EU immigration policies, similar to Denmark's arrangement, to allow for stricter national immigration and asylum rules. He expressed concern that the current influx of migrants, primarily young males, is exacerbating housing shortages and hindering the ability of Dutch citizens to establish families. Wilders criticized the EU's handling of mass migration, asserting that the will of voters in the Netherlands is being ignored by pro-mass migration leaders in Brussels. He pointed out that many EU citizens have elected governments that promise to reduce immigration, yet the EU continues to impose its policies. The ongoing conflict within the EU regarding the redistribution of migrants has highlighted the differing approaches among member states, with some advocating for stricter border controls while others seek to share the burden of migration. The situation is further complicated by Hungary's refusal to accept asylum seekers, leading to a potential fine from the EU. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also called for an 'opt-out' on immigration, indicating a growing resistance among certain member states to EU migration policies. This tension reflects broader divisions within the EU regarding immigration and border control, raising questions about the future of collective decision-making in these areas. As the deadline for Hungary's fine approaches, the government has threatened to transport migrants to Brussels if forced to accept them, showcasing the escalating conflict between national sovereignty and EU mandates. Wilders' statements resonate with a significant portion of the Dutch electorate who are concerned about the implications of mass migration on their society and economy.