A far-right politician and founder of the Party for Freedom, known for his anti-Islam and anti-immigration views, sparking controversy and debate in the Netherlands and beyond.
Geert Wilders, the founder and leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), is a name synonymous with right-wing populism, anti-immigration, and Euroscepticism in the Netherlands. Since 2006, Wilders has been a vocal opponent of Islam and has campaigned to stop what he views as the "Islamisation" of the Netherlands, sparking controversy and debate both domestically and internationally.
Born on September 6, 1963, in Venlo, Netherlands, Wilders was raised a Roman Catholic. However, he left the church at the age of 18. His travels to Israel and the Arab world as a young adult significantly shaped his political views, which would later become a hallmark of his political career.
Wilders began his political career as a speechwriter for the conservative-liberal VVD party. He later served as parliamentary assistant to party leader Frits Bolkestein from 1990 to 1998. In 1997, he entered the municipal council of Utrecht, and in 1998, he entered the House of Representatives.
In 2004, citing irreconcilable differences over the VVD's position on Turkey's accession to the European Union, Wilders left the party to form his own, the Party for Freedom (PVV). The PVV's anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance quickly gained traction, making it a significant force in Dutch politics.
In the 2010 formation of the first Rutte cabinet, a minority government comprising the VVD and Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Wilders actively participated in the negotiations, resulting in a tolerance agreement between the PVV and these parties. However, he withdrew his party's parliamentary support in 2012, citing disagreements with the cabinet over proposed budget cuts.
Wilders' views have made him a highly controversial figure in the Netherlands and abroad. He has been accused of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims, and his calls to ban the Quran and end immigration from Muslim countries have sparked widespread criticism. In 2016, he was convicted of inciting discrimination and hatred against Moroccans, a conviction he subsequently appealed and won.
Due to the numerous death threats he has received, Wilders has been protected by armed police at all times since 2004.
Wilders' political ideology is rooted in a strong sense of nationalism and a belief in the importance of preserving Dutch identity and culture. He has been a vocal critic of the European Union and has advocated for the Netherlands to leave the EU.
In his book, "Marked for Death: Islam's War Against the West and Me," Wilders outlines his views on the perceived threat of Islam to Western civilization.
Wilders has been married to his wife, Krisztina Wilders, since 1992. The couple has one son, born in 1992.
Wilders' populist and anti-immigration stance has influenced the Dutch political landscape, with his party becoming a significant force in the country's parliament. His views have also sparked debate and controversy beyond the Netherlands, making him a household name in international politics.
"I don't hate Muslims, I hate Islam."
"The Quran is a fascist book."
Geert Wilders' rise to prominence coincided with the growing anti-immigration sentiment in Europe during the early 2000s. His party's success in the 2006 and 2010 elections marked a significant shift in the Dutch political landscape, paving the way for other populist and far-right parties to emerge.
Wilders' legacy remains controversial, with his critics accusing him of fanning the flames of hatred and intolerance. However, his supporters see him as a champion of free speech and a defender of Dutch identity and culture.
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