He’s been called “the Dutch Trump” and “the Muslims’ nightmare,” but after his dramatic election victory, Geert Wilders has become one of Europe’s most influential politicians. In an exclusive interview with our correspondent Libby Alon, the Dutch The Party for Freedom (PVV) leader discusses the fight against radical Islam, Europe’s failure to protect its Jewish communities, and his deep admiration for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Geert Wilders built his political career on an uncompromising fight against illegal immigration and what he defines as “the loss of European identity.” Wilders, who previously outlawed “Mein Kampf” in the Netherlands and compared it to the Quran, argues that multiculturalism and mass immigration have proven to be complete failures.
“Islam Doesn’t Want to Integrate—It Wants to Dominate”
When asked about the nicknames attached to him, including “the Muslims’ nightmare,” Wilders responded firmly: “I entered politics and I represent freedom. I fight for freedom and security, and I believe that to achieve this requires a certain social cohesion. This is almost impossible if Islam becomes a central factor in society, because we’re talking about an ideology that by its very nature is not interested in integrating, but in dominating.”
3+Europe’s Failure and Rising Antisemitism
Wilders doesn’t spare criticism of the continent where he operates. According to him, Europe has failed miserably in protecting its Jewish communities. “Antisemitism is surging in Europe,” he states. “I fear there’s a direct connection between immigration and the Islamization of our society and antisemitism. In every country where borders have opened and Islam has strengthened, antisemitism has grown tremendously.”
“I Wish We Had More Leaders Like Netanyahu in Europe”
During the interview, Wilders expressed unqualified support for the State of Israel and its leadership. “Israel is a beacon of light in a sea of Islamic darkness,” said Wilders, who lived in Israel for several years and considers it a second home. “Israel is fighting the battle of the entire Western world against terror.”
3+On his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said: “I respect him greatly. He has done more to fight Islamic jihadism than all of Europe’s leaders have done in the last 10 years. Nobody’s perfect, but I wish we had more leaders like him in Europe.”
The Iranian Threat: A Danger to All of Europe
Finally, Wilders addressed the security tensions with Iran, making clear this isn’t just Israel’s problem. “Iran is one of the greatest threats, not only to Israel, but geopolitically to the entire region and also to Europe. Its missiles can reach European countries today. This is a country that must not be allowed to have nuclear capability.”
Wilders, who gave up his candidacy for prime minister to enable the formation of a coalition in the Netherlands, hopes that in the near future he’ll be able to lead his country fully and continue his fight to change the face of Europe.