PVV party leader Geert Wilders refuses to be locked up in an RTL castle with seven party leaders, but why? “It is very unfortunate, because it is a very nice format.”
RTL 4 boss Peter van der Vorst was planning to lock up seven party leaders together in a castle for the approaching elections. For the program the conclave they would then debate with each other. VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz liked it, but Geert Wilders did not want. And after him, Frans Timmermans and Henri also picked up Bontenbal.
“They don’t dare”
A source of The Hague says that RTL had been working on this since the cabinet’s fall, but after three cancellations it is in separate screws, according to De Telegraaf. “They don’t dare, and therefore the program doesn’t seem to be coming now.”
In addition to Dilan, Rob Jetten (D66) and Caroline van der Plas (BBB) would also be enthusiastic. “I have been approached but I have not heard anything back yet,” says one of the potential participants anonymously. “I think it’s a nice concept but I want to know a little more about the how and what.”
‘Very unfortunate’
TV critic Victor Vlam thinks it is a missed opportunity. “Too bad. It is a very nice format from Belgium. Probably politicians are wary of the all -determining assembly: a whole weekend together is reduced to a few hours of television, in which many moments logically die,” he says on X.
Communication strategist Arjan van der Knaap then: “Come out of your bubble. This is about strategy and leadership. The fact that DPG thinks he can have the political leaders of this country for a reality format is shameless and insane. A low point.”
Very substantive
Victor believes that unjustified criticism. “It’s a very substantive program. Just look at the Belgian version.”
Arjan: “Come on. They lead a movement. It is their job to organize trust among their supporters and the rest of society. You don’t stand it up for plays that do it in a reality show.”
Discourse
It would be good to see Wilders sitting somewhere, says Arjan. “He might be to test outside his own discourse. But that is precisely why you can’t let him go to his opposition. That would become a – figuratively – massacre.”
“Again, insane idea. The Hubris of DPG. That merger should never have come.”