Poll: Three quarters of Dutch reject Trump’s seven Muslim country and refugee ban
*Bad news for Wilders as 66% percent are less likely to vote for a candidate who would bring a similar ban to the Netherlands*
As protests against Donald Trump’s travel ban continue in the US, the Netherlands, and around the world, a new poll shows that the Dutch overwhelmingly reject the policy, putting them at odds with the position taken by PVV leader Geert Wilders.
The poll, conducted by No Ties and commissioned by the global civic movement Avaaz, shows 75% percent oppose the ban on people from seven Muslim countries and all refugees entering the US.
Six weeks ahead of the general elections in the Netherlands, the majority don’t want these measures, and two thirds are less likely to vote for a candidate who is in favour of a similar ban.
Avaaz Campaign Director Alice Jay says: "Geert Wilders fawning on Trump isn’t just unpopular, it’s a betrayal of Dutch values. The Dutch people don’t support Trump’s draconian and divisive ban, don’t want it in the Netherlands and won’t vote for candidates who do. It’s clear that racism isn’t just wrong, it’s bad politics too.”
This poll shows PVV leader Geert Wilders’ welcoming of Donald Trump’s ban on Twitter and in a debate in the Dutch Parliament could be a factor against him in the upcoming election. He said:
Well done @POTUS it's the only way to stay safe + free. I would do the same. Hope you'll add more Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia soon.
https://twitter.com/geertwilderspvv/status/825312623633776640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Avaaz’s open letter to Donald Trump has gone viral in the Netherlands and around the world since he announced the new restrictions on refugees and Muslims. It is on course to hit 5 million signers this week from every country on earth, 208,772 from the Netherlands. The letter rejects Trump’s bigotry and denigration of Muslims and says “As citizens of the world, we stand united against your brand of division.”
ENDS
For more information or further comment, please contact:
Daniel Boese on daniel.boese@avaaz.org +491778405700
Methodology:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from No Ties Plc. Total sample size was 1006 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 31st January - 2nd February The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Dutch adults (aged 18+) .
Respondents were asked the following questions:
1) Do you support or oppose Donald Trump’s new stringent restrictions on people from seven Muslim countries and all refugees entering the US?
3 % Strongly support
13 % Support
43 % Oppose
32 % Strongly oppose
9 % Don't Know
16 % Top Two
75 % Bottom Two
100 % Total
2) Would you support or oppose a similar ban on Muslims and refugees entering the Netherlands?
5 % Strongly support
16 % Support
37 % Oppose
32 % Strongly oppose
9 % Don't Know
22 % Top Two
69 % Bottom Two
100 % Total
3) Would your support for a candidate in this year’s election increase or decrease if they proposed a similar ban on Muslims and refugees into the Netherlands?
5 % Strongly support
15 % Support
25 % Oppose
41 % Strongly oppose
13 % Don't Know
21 % Top Two
66 % Bottom Two
100 % Total
Avaaz is a 44-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 40 countries on 5 continents and operates in 17 languages.