Geert Wilders Abandons 'Nexit' Referendum Plan

In a shift towards moderation, Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch far-right PVV, drops his controversial pledge for a 'Nexit' referendum, aiming instead to reform the EU from within.

• Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch far-right Freedom Party (PVV), has abandoned his pledge for a 'Nexit' referendum, aiming to reform the European Union from within.
• The move comes as Wilders attempts to form a government after his party won the most seats in the Dutch general election but fell short of a majority.
• Wilders has softened his stance on several anti-Islam policies and has promised not to become prime minister to facilitate coalition talks with centre-right parties.
• The shift towards moderation aligns PVV with other European eurosceptic parties like France's National Rally and Germany's AfD, which have also backed away from leaving the EU.
• Wilders' new manifesto calls for Dutch sovereignty within the EU, opposes EU environmental regulations, and advocates for an 'extremely restrictive migration strategy'.

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