Geert Wilders

NationalismAnti MuslimAnti-immigrantPopulismFar-right

Nov 27

**DOB:** 6 September 1963

**Nationality:** Dutch

**Location:** Venlo, Netherlands
**Ideology/Affiliation:** Far-right/Anti-Muslim/
Anti-Immigrants/Nationalism

**Type of Leader:**
Political leader

Current status: Dutch politician and member of the upcoming government.

Biography

Geert Wilders, born on September 6, 1963, in Venlo, the Netherlands, is a Dutch politician whose career has been characterized by extreme views and divisive rhetoric, particularly against Islam, Muslims, and immigration. Raised in a Catholic family and having attended the Atheneum high school in Venlo, he later enrolled in law at the Open University Netherlands but did not complete his degree.

Wilders began his political journey with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). He was elected to the Utrecht city council in 1996 and entered the Dutch parliament in 1998. Initially focusing on social welfare and the state’s role, his views gradually shifted towards more radical positions.

In 2004, Wilders left the VVD, citing disagreements over the European Union and immigration, and founded the Party for Freedom (Partij voor de Vrijheid, PVV) in 2006. His new party quickly gained notoriety for its hardline stance against non-Western immigration and Islam. Wilders has frequently equated Islam with extremism, a viewpoint that has been widely criticized as Islamophobic. He advocates for halting immigration from Muslim countries and has been outspoken against what he perceives as the threat of Islamic ideology to Dutch cultural values.

Wilders' career is marred by numerous controversies and legal challenges, most notably for his film "Fitna," which was widely condemned for its portrayal of Islam. He has faced charges of hate speech and discrimination, and although acquitted in most cases, these incidents have underscored his reputation as a figure promoting intolerance and division.

His influence on Dutch politics has been significant, with his party shaping the national conversation around immigration and the Netherlands' place in the EU. However, his approach and policies have made him a polarizing figure, often alienating large segments of the population and drawing criticism both nationally and internationally. He was banned from entering the UK due to his hateful incitement against Muslims.

His PVV party won a shock victory in the 2023 Dutch general elections, securing 37 out of the 150 seats, and putting him on the path to form a coalition government and potentially become prime minister — the first ever in the history of the Netherlands. Prior to the elections, he stated he had moderated his anti-Muslim views and that he was ready to be a ‘prime minister for everyone’, despite skepticism from many segments of Dutch society, including other government parties, Muslims communities, the media, and critics.

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Geert Wilders

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Evidence of Hate Speech/Incitement:

November 2023: During the October 2023 war between Israel and Hamas, Wilders called for the Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip to be relocated to Jordan, effectively calling for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Palestine. His comments were condemned by the Arab League, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and other Arab countries.

2006-2008: From a period between 2006-2008, Wilders called for banning the Quran — likening it to Hitler’s book ‘Mein Kampf’. He has also called Moroccans ‘scum’ and called for the closure of all mosques around the country, including calling for a competition to draw cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

Extremist Individuals - Right Wing Extremists