Wilders admits defeat in PM bid

Geert Wilders concedes he lacks the backing to be the Netherlands’ Prime Minister, despite his Freedom Party being the largest after November’s election. He points out that a PM role requires unanimous coalition support. The current acting PM is Mark Rutte of the VVD, while Wilders’ party has only 37 of the required 76 seats for a majority. Speculations suggest a potential ‘extra-parliamentary government’ might form, including the Freedom Party, which would have leaders staying in parliament rather than taking government positions. Wilders, known for his critical views on Islam and EU-skepticism, has softened his rhetoric during the campaign. Rutte, in office since 2010, is the favorite to become the next NATO Secretary-General.