Brussels, 16/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The results of the Dutch general elections, on 15 May, lead to prudent reactions from MEPs. The President of the EPP-ED group, Hans-Gert Pottering welcomed the success of the CDA leader Jan Peter Balkenende (who will be the next leader of the government), who, according to him, guarantees the continuation of European policy, while the leader of the Socialist group, Enrique Baron wished for the PvdA of the exiting Prime Minister Wim Kok all the strength necessary to overcome the consequences of the defeat as quickly as possible. The President of the Liberal group, Graham Watson, recognised that the results where disappointing from the point of view of our brother liberal parties (the VVD and Democrates '66, which both have two members in the European Parliament). Monica Frassoni, Co-President of the Greens/ALE group, regretted the confirmation of the rise of "populist and anti-immigrant rightwing" parties. The Dutch are victims of this new European disease, she said, while welcoming the strength of the Greens (Groen Links) in this difficult situation.