Surge for Dutch anti-Islam Freedom Party

Pro Dutch party sweeps election

A Dutch anti-Islam party has more than doubled its seats in parliament in a national vote, though it is unclear if it will take part in a coalition.

Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders said he wanted to be part of government.

The election saw the centre-right Liberal Party (VVD) emerging as the largest party, one seat ahead of the centre-left Labour Party.

The Christian Democrat party of outgoing Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende suffered a big defeat.

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Mr Wilders has campaigned to stop the “Islamisation of the Netherlands”.

He wants the Koran banned, and has suggested a tax on headscarves worn by Muslim women.

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2010-06-10