国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Mainstream left risks losing biggest in upcoming Dutch election_时事

国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Mainstream left risks losing biggest in upcoming Dutch election

Jesse Klaver, leader of GrownLinks scored first with 17.4 percent. GroenLinks, now with four seats, is predicted to gain 15-17 seats.

"Klaver's party has attracted a number of PvdA voters in particular those with a migrant background," said Vermeulen. He saw in this shift a general trend followed by voters who abandon mainstream and established parties in favour of smaller ones which address specific concerns.

Alexander Penthold's D66, Sybrant Buma's CDA, as well as newcomers such as the pro-immigration DENK founded by two former PvdA members of parliament of Turkish origin, also take voters from PvdA, said Teule.

"Traditional left-wing voters feel frustrated with PvdA's stance towards immigration," Teule suggested. "But Asscher has a reasonable alternative which might help him win back supporters who worry about globalization and immigration."

Asscher has made the so-called "participation contract," which determines that newcomers have to register or risk a fine, a significant part of his integration policy. He also advocated an end to "unfair" competition from Eastern European migrant workers and called for restrictions on the movement of workers within the EU.

"Undecided voters will play a role in the elections outcome," said Vermeulen. But he declined to predict whether the labour will gain supporters among the 40 percent of the still undecided voters. Usually these votes are divided among the biggest parties in latest polls, he said.