‘Behave normally, or go away’ Dutch PM warns immigrants weeks before vote

Message aimed at winning over voters likely to back Geert Wilders anti-immigration party

Mark Rutte, leader of centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, says he understands calls for people who don't integrate to leave the Netherlands (AFP/Getty Images)

Anyone who cannot respect Dutch customs can leave, the country's prime minister has warned weeks ahead of the country's general election.

In a full-page message published in several newspapers, Mark Rutte said "we have to actively defend our values" against those who refuse to integrate or act antisocially.

"Behave normally or go away," he said.

While his message did not mention opponent Geert Wilders or his Party for Freedom, it was clearly aimed at winning over voters who would likely back Mr Wilders' anti-immigration platform.

Mr Rutte, leader of the centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, said he understands calls for people who don't integrate to leave the Netherlands. "I have that feeling, too," he said.

But he also appeared to criticize Mr Wilders' anti-immigration stance. "The solution is not to tar people with the same brush," Mr Rutte said.

On Monday, Mr Wilders hit back, calling Mr Rutte "the man of open borders, the asylum tsunami, mass immigration, Islamisation, lies and deception."

Mr Rutte is seeking a third term in government after his coalition steered the Netherlands to a strong recovery from the financial crisis that swept Europe.

However, his party's popularity has slipped as Mr Wilders' has grown.

In December, a court convicted Mr Wilders of insulting and inciting discrimination against Moroccans. He is appealing the conviction, which he branded "shameful."