Months after his party won the most votes in the Netherlands' national elections, far-right leader Geert Wilders announced on Wednesday that he would not be seeking the role of the country's next prime minister. Despite his electoral success, Wilders explained that he did not have the necessary political support from potential coalition allies to secure the top position.

The leader of the Party for Freedom had been engaged in preliminary talks with several parties including the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, the populist Farmer Citizen Movement, and the centrist New Social Contract. His aim was to form a right-wing coalition that prioritized stricter immigration policies and placed Dutch citizens at the forefront.

In a statement posted on a social media platform, Wilders expressed his disappointment, stating, "I can only become Prime Minister if all parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case." Despite this setback, Wilders emphasized that his commitment to his country and his voters remains firm, reassuring that the Party for Freedom will continue to play a significant role in the Dutch political landscape.

The negotiations for a new government are expected to move forward without Wilders at the helm. Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported that a scenario is being considered in which the party leaders, including Wilders, would remain in parliament instead of joining the new administration. Kim Putters, overseeing the negotiations, expressed his expectation that these parties will take the next steps in the Cabinet formation, with further details to be reported to Dutch lawmakers on Thursday.

Although Wilders will not hold the position of prime minister, he and his Party for Freedom remain a potent force in the administration, ensuring their anti-immigration and Euroskeptic agenda will continue to shape Dutch policies on the national stage.