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Dutch nationalist Geert Wilders urges country to give up euro

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A report released Thursday by nationalist politician Geert Wilders says the Netherlands economy would grow if the country abandons the euro.

The report, commissioned by Wilders and prepared by Capitol Economics, a London research firm, also said the Netherlands would be better off if it leaves the European Union, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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"Leaving the EU will restore national sovereignty and boost our economy, it offers the Netherlands a way out of the crisis," Wilders said at a news conference in The Hague. "The transition costs will be temporary and manageable."

The report said the Dutch economy would grow 10 percent by 2024 if the country leaves the eurozone next year and returns to the guilder. This was based on the assumption no other country would make the same move, the Journal said.

Wilders is the founder and head of the People of Freedom Party, which is expected to do well in elections for the European Parliament scheduled for May. He has formed alliances with other anti-EU parties, including the Front National in France and Vlaams Belang in Belgium.

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