Dutch should decide on EU 'like Brits did' as new PM Geert Wilders hailed by Macron enemy
The incoming new Dutch Prime Minister Geert Wilders has put a vote on the Netherlands' membership to the EU at the core of his election campaign.
In the wake of Geert Wilders' Party of Freedom (PVV) triumph in the Dutch elections, France's far-right politician Marine Le Pen has voiced support for the idea of a referendum on the Netherlands' EU membership.
Drawing parallels with the UK's Brexit decision, Le Pen emphasised the importance of allowing the Dutch people to determine their European future.
Speaking on FranceInter radio, Le Pen said: "A good piece of news is when people can express themselves. The bad news is when, as in 2005, a treaty is imposed upon them.
"It’s up to the Dutch people to choose their destiny, as the British people did."
According to Le Pen, Wilders' victory reflects a broader sentiment of discontent among Europeans towards the EU's functioning, with a particular focus on the desire to get more control over immigration.
Le Pen criticised EU institutions, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the bloc.
She clarified that while Europe should remain united, changes are needed.
She urged French voters to diminish the influence of President Emmanuel Macron's Renew party and its allies in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
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Recent polls suggest that Le Pen's Rassemblement National (RN) could secure 28 per cent of the votes, while Macron's Renew is expected to receive 20 per cent.
Le Pen branded the EU as a "technocratic structure" that relies on "punishments, threats, and sanctions".
Instead, she proposed building a "Union of European nations" focused on collaborative major projects to address challenges collectively.