He has a target on his back, but that does not stop (click)Geert Wilders from voicing his opinion; warning about the Islamization of not only his country but all countries. In 1998, Mr. Wilders was elected to parliament and became known for opinion articles that were usually about foreign policy. He had a genuine interest in the Middle East, focusing on countries such as Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. He was one of the first politicians to warn about Islamic extremism, an issue that was unknown in the Netherlands. After the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, Mr. Wilders’ interest in Islam grew. He also noticed the success Fortuyn had achieved by opposing Islamic immigration.

In 2005, Mr. Wilders established the Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV), into which Group Wilders was merged. PVV was to be the vehicle for participation in the 2006 elections and for a search for party candidates. It would focus on opposition to Islam, the legacy of Fortuyn, cutting non-Western immigration, and euroscepticism.The PVV is often described as conservative, right wing, or even far right. However, right-wing parties are usually strong proponents of free markets and laissez faire economics. If the PVV were not anti-immigration and anti-Islamic, it would be known for favouring liberal social policies, such as improving public healthcare and not raising the retirement age.

Little-known Facts

Very few people know that the PVV has a considerable following among immigrants to the Netherlands. Greek Cypriots, Copts, Middle-Eastern Christians, and people from India support Mr. Wilders in substantial numbers because of their experiences with Islam in their home countries.

According to Mr. Wilders, Islam should not be seen as a religion but as a totalitarian ideologythat seeks to dominate every aspect of life.