Pim Fortuyn and the 'New' Far Right in the Netherlands

In: Representation, Band 40, Heft 2, S. 131-145

Abstract

The List Pim Fortuyn (LPF) party of the late Pim Fortuyn is compared to previous far Right parties in the Netherlands to shed light on the LPF's success in 2002. Despite Fortuyn's protests, it is seen as not undue to label the LPF as right wing, particularly on the basis of its comparable policy platform. It is contended that the LPF had more to offer than other right-wing parties & these factors account for its success. The failure of the Dutch far Right prior to 2001 is assessed, delineating Cas Muddle & Joop van Holsteyn's (2000) tripartite explanation for this phenomenon. The LPF's policy platform cannot simply be related to the far Right or new radical Right, but possibly a populist anti-statist position. Pim Fortuyn's political entrepreneurship is seen as a boon to the LPF as the current Dutch system encourages such a personality on the basis of the party platform convergence & voter volatility. However, without Fortuyn at its head, the LPF has failed to drum up quality personnel & stable institutions, seen as critical to electoral success. 2 Figures, 28 References. J. Zendejas