It is only a poll, but for the time being it seems that many Brabanders will vote for Geert Wilders’ PVV. According to political scientist Marcel Boogers, this is striking, although he can name several causes.
Research agency Newcom conducted an election poll among 859 Brabant residents on behalf of Omroep Brabant. “If you look at the results, it is striking that the PVV is doing exceptionally well,” says political scientist Marcel Boogers. “The PVV is now in second place, behind the New Social Contract. Wilders’ party is doing a lot better than in previous elections. The PVV has never been so big in Brabant.”
According to Boogers, it could be due to the milder tone that Geert Wilders is taking in his campaign. “The PVV has temporarily parked the most extreme positions. This means that many voters still want to give Wilders a chance. In addition, he has put issues on the agenda in his campaign that are important in Brabant, such as housing for migrant workers.”
What also makes a difference, according to the political scientist, is that the VVD does not rule out cooperation with the PVV. “The VVD has opened the door for the PVV. In the past, a vote for the PVV was a bit of a wasted vote, but now the party really has a chance. The VVD has given the PVV a push without perhaps even knowing it and wanting to.”
Strategic voting
The poll also shows that 20 percent of Brabanders do not yet know who they are going to vote for. Swinging voters will have to make a decision in the coming days and they often do so based on the latest trends.
“People want to be part of the winner. They want one party to become the largest or at least that another party will not become the largest. What you can expect now is that people necessarily want to prevent one party from becoming the largest. They will vote strategically.”
According to Boogers, Brabant’s vote is important for the result. “In previous elections, Brabant, a bit American, was seen as a swing state. It is a province that can ultimately determine the outcome to a large extent. The political parties know that too, so you will see them in many Brabant municipalities.”
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Pieter Omtzigt and Geert Wilders lead the poll in Brabant
Debate of the South
In the run-up to the elections for the House of Representatives, Omroep Brabant, together with Omroep Zeeland and L1 in Limburg, will hold the Debate of the South on Saturday, November 18. The broadcast can be seen live on Saturday from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The commentary can be viewed after 9 p.m. on Brabant+ and on the Omroep Brabant website/app. The national theme channel NOS Politics and News also broadcasts the debate live.