Geert Wilders Says Netherlands is Overcrowded Due to Immigration

The Netherlands has officially reached a population of over 18 million, a milestone that has sparked little celebration among its citizens. The country is grappling with significant challenges, including a severe shortage of housing and public services, which have been exacerbated by rising immigration levels. The influx of migrants from various European Union nations, particularly Poland, as well as from conflict zones like Ukraine and Syria, has contributed to a rapid population growth that has nearly doubled in the past eight years. The political landscape in the Netherlands has shifted dramatically in response to these demographic changes. Geert Wilders, the leader of the anti-immigration Freedom Party, achieved a surprising electoral victory last year by advocating for stricter immigration controls and a withdrawal from EU asylum policies. His party's influence is now evident in the right-wing coalition government that has adopted these restrictive measures as part of its official policy. Wilders has voiced concerns about the implications of the growing population on the country’s limited land resources, stating, “Eighteen million people on a small piece of land.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among the Dutch populace regarding the sustainability of their social and economic systems in the face of increasing demographic pressures. As the government navigates these complex issues, the future of immigration policy and its impact on Dutch society remains a contentious topic, with many citizens calling for urgent solutions to the housing crisis and public service demands.