Narrow parliamentary vote reflects shifting political alignment as debate over enforcement continues.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a motion calling on the government to ban the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated organizations, marking the first time such a proposal has secured parliamentary approval.
The motion, introduced by Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders, passed with 76 votes—the narrowest possible majority—following a shift in support from several parties that had previously opposed similar measures. According to De Telegraaf, backing came from a coalition that included the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, the Farmer–Citizen Movement, the Forum for Democracy, and smaller parties, alongside the Christian Union and 50Plus.
The measure calls on the Dutch government to prohibit the Muslim Brotherhood and organizations linked to it within the Netherlands. The motion references findings from a French government report outlining long-term efforts by the group to influence institutions across Europe.
The vote follows similar developments elsewhere in Europe. In January, France’s National Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution urging the European Commission to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
In the United States, the State Department recently designated the Muslim Brotherhood’s branch in Sudan as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its involvement in violence against civilians and connections to militant training linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Trump administration has also indicated it is reviewing additional branches of the organization for possible designation, including its founding chapter in Egypt.
Wilders, who has lived under heightened security for years due to threats, addressed lawmakers ahead of the vote, citing concerns about societal changes and rising tensions across Europe. His remarks were recorded in parliamentary proceedings available here.
Despite the vote, the motion is not binding, and it remains unclear whether the Dutch government—led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten—will act on the recommendation. Critics of the measure argue that enforcement may be difficult because there is no formally registered organization in the Netherlands operating under the name “Muslim Brotherhood.”
The outcome highlights ongoing debate within Europe over how to address transnational ideological networks and the legal challenges associated with regulating loosely structured organizations.
Original article
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