Far-right lawmaker Geert Wilders has emerged as a central figure in the Dutch political landscape following the recent elections.
In a surprising turn of events, Wilders’ Freedom Party appeared poised to secure the highest number of votes in the country’s parliamentary elections, potentially granting him a pivotal role in shaping the next government. The election largely revolved around discussions on immigration, catapulting Wilders into the spotlight in which he thrives.
Known for his provocative remarks, such as labelling Islam as “an ideology of a backward culture” and referring to Moroccans as “scum,” Wilders, often likened to former US President Donald Trump for his fiery rhetoric and adept use of social media, has been a longstanding figure in Europe’s far-right realm.
Born in 1963 near the German border in southern Venlo, Wilders grew up in a Catholic household alongside his siblings. Initially part of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), he parted ways due to what he perceived as the party’s lenient stance on Islam and immigration.
Establishing the Freedom Party (PVV) in 2004, Wilders made anti-Islam policies the cornerstone of his party. His disdain for Islam intensified after the assassination of the anti-Islam filmmaker Theo van Gogh in 2004, coupled with his time spent in Israel on a kibbutz.
While facing competition from rising younger far-right figures in the Netherlands in recent years, Wilders’ unwavering presence in Dutch politics, alongside the escalating immigration discourse, seems to have resonated with a larger audience.
Ahead of the elections, Wilders attempted to soften some of his more divisive anti-Islamic rhetoric, suggesting a potential abandonment of his proposed bans on mosques and the Qur’an – a move criticized by his opponents as opportunistic.
Instead, he focused on addressing mounting economic concerns, promising to tackle housing shortages, combat inflation, and framing climate action as an encroachment of authority by The Hague.
Nonetheless, his radical proposed measures could drastically reshape the Netherlands’ fundamental principles, including reinstating Dutch border controls, the detention and expulsion of illegal immigrants, and reintroducing work permits for intra-EU workers.
The election results will likely cause concern in Kyiv, given Wilders’ praise for Vladimir Putin and criticism of what he perceives as “hysterical Russophobia” in Europe. Despite initially supporting Russia’s leadership, he distanced himself after the invasion of Ukraine. However, a Wilders-led government might not offer the same support to Ukraine as seen under previous leadership.
The formation of the new government will probably involve a prolonged coalition-building process, with some party leaders already ruling out collaboration with Wilders. However, Pieter Omtzigt from the centrist NSC party has shown openness to working with the PVV.
After six elections, Wilders finds himself closer than ever to wielding power. “It will be challenging, but we are prepared to govern,” he stated as initial results trickled in. “This is the most significant day in my political career.”
