The right-wing parties of Europe who have been keenly watching Britain’s EU referendum with an eye on their own efforts to exit the European Union have reacted to the Brexit vote with jubilation today.
Leaders and activists of populist right parties from across the continent sent congratulations this morning and called for referendums for their own nations.
First among the leaders to offer his congratulations was Dutch Party for Freedom boss Geert Wilders who said in a press release this morning that “[today] will go down in history as Britain’s Independence Day. The Europhile elite has been defeated.
“Britain points Europe the way to the future and to liberation. It is time for a new start, relying on our own strength and sovereignty. [The same is true] in the Netherlands”.
Speaking on his desire to bring about a referendum on his own nation’s membership of the EU, Mr. Wilders said: “A recent survey (EenVandaag, Dutch television) shows that a majority of the Dutch want a referendum on EU membership. It also shows that more Dutch are in favour of exit than of remaining in the EU.
“The Dutch people deserve a referendum as well. The Party for Freedom consequently demands a referendum on NExit, a Dutch EU exit.
“As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union.
“We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy. If I become prime minister, there will be a referendum in the Netherlands on leaving the European Union as well. Let the Dutch people decide.”
Also praising Britain for her historic decision and demanding their own referendum were the French, through Front National (FN) leader Marine Le Pen, presently surging in the polls for the presidential elections next year.
Changing her Twitter avatar to a Union Jack in celebration of the British, the FN leader wrote: “A victory of freedom! As I [have demanded] for years, it is now necessary to have a referendum in France and the countries of the EU”.
Marine’s niece, fellow senior FN leader Marion Le Pen echoed her comments, saying that after Brexit it was time to introduce democracy into France — “the French should have the right to choose!”.
In Italy, leader of the Northern Leage (Lega Nord, LN) also heaped praise on the UK, writing: “Long live the courage of free citizens!
“Heart, head and pride fighting lies, threats and blackmail.
“Thanks to the UK, now it’s our turn”.
The leader of the Identitarian movement, a ‘hipster-right’ activist group which mainly attracts educated, politically engaged young people from central Europe spoke to Breitbart London to express his delight. Martin Sellner, who recently scaled the walls of the Royal Opera in Vienna to protest mass migration, said: “The vote was about identity, freedom and against mass immigration.
“This Union doesn’ represent Europe. It was an identitarian vote, and England is now closer to the true Europe than ever before”.
Follow Oliver Lane on Twitter: Follow @Oliver_Lane or e-mail to: olane@breitbart.com
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