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Geert Wilders is just the latest example of how British people misunderstand the Dutch

Laid-back, pot-smoking, sex-loving, cycling, recycling liberals. Like all caricatures of a people, our notion of what the Dutch are like is, at best, a sweeping generalisation. Or maybe a misapprehension, engendered by the country’s comparatively liberal approach to certain activities.

Geert Wilders is just the latest example of how British people misunderstand the Dutch

Those surprised by the election of the far-Right populist this week don't understand what drives the anti-immigrant vote in the Netherlands

Dutch politics deadlocked as small parties proliferate

Dutch politics deadlocked as small parties proliferate AFP 19 hrs ago AFP © Bart Maat Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte has had to put off forming a new government until after the summer Politics are in deadlock in the Netherlands following general elections, with a new government nowhere in sight and a myriad of small parties eating away at traditional power bases. Incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte has had to put off forming the next  cabinet until after the summer holidays, leaving the outgoing government to handle routine business. With no clear winners after the vote in March and more small parties than ever in the 150-seat Lower House, the  Dutch "polder model" of consensus politics is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success, experts say.  

'Dutchification': Guide To Election Winners And Losers

'Dutchification': guide to election winners and losers