Geert Wilders has made politics more divided, not only in the Netherlands but throughout Europe, have a look at the pronunciation of his name, religion and net worth
Geert Wilders who is known for his strong anti-Islam views and far-right stance, is set to win big in the Dutch parliamentary elections. This unexpected outcome is a major shift in Dutch politics and could have significant effects throughout Europe.
The way he talks about things has influenced how other parties discuss immigration and EU policies by making them take tougher positions.
Who is Geert Wilders aiming to be Netherlands PM, biography, age, wife, religion, education, pronunciation, net worth
According to polls, Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party is expected to win 35 seats. Wilders may take over as the Netherlands’ prime minister in the future. Death threats and scandals are nothing new to him.
Geert Wilders was born on September 6, 1963, in Venlo, a small town in the Netherlands. His dad worked at a printing company, and his mom was a homemaker. Growing up with three siblings in a Roman Catholic family, he later decided to leave the church when he came of age.
In his studies, he focused on law and health insurance at the Open University. His upbringing in a somewhat conservative setting had a big impact on how he sees things. He is married to Krisztina Wilders.
The pronunciation of his name can be found here.
Born: 6 September 1963 (age 60 years), Venlo
Party: Party for Freedom
Spouse: Krisztina Wilders (m. 1992)
Height: 1.95 m
Ancestors: Maria Anne Ording, Johanna Magdalena Meijer
Siblings: Paul Wilders
Organization founded: Party for Freedom
Wilders is best known for his criticism of Islam and the European Union (EU); his views have made him a controversial figure in the Netherlands and abroad and since 2004, he has been protected at all times by armed police. Raised a Roman Catholic, Wilders left church at his coming of age.
Geert Wilders career
Before diving into politics, Geert Wilders started his career in health insurance and social services. This experience gave him a good understanding of how public policies and social welfare systems functioned.
Geert Wilders started his political journey with the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). He began as a speechwriter and assistant, working his way up within the party over time.
Geert Wilders wasn’t happy with the VVD’s views, especially regarding the EU and immigration. So, in 2004, he left the party due to disagreements, notably about Turkey joining the EU. In 2006, he started the Party for Freedom (PVV), known for its strong right-wing and nationalist positions.
Wilders is known for strongly disapproving of Islam. His harsh views on Islam have led to threats on his life, making him live under constant police protection. He’s even called the prophet Mohammad a “pedophile” and described Islam as a “fascist ideology” and a “backward religion.”
Wilders has gone as far as advocating for the ban of the Quran and closing mosques in the Netherlands, believing it’s necessary to combat what he sees as the Islamization of Europe.
Wilders strongly believes in strict rules for immigration, especially from Muslim-majority countries, as he thinks it’s crucial to protect Dutch culture and values. His political party, PVV, has gained a lot of support under his leadership, showing that many people in the Netherlands share his views. This success is part of a larger trend in Europe where more people are questioning multiculturalism and the European Union (EU).
Wilders doesn’t like the EU and wants the Netherlands to leave it, known as “Nexit.” He thinks the EU interferes too much with the country’s independence. This idea reflects a growing feeling in some parts of Europe where people are becoming more skeptical about the EU, believing it encroaches on their countries.
Wilders’ ideas and the success of his party, PVV, aren’t just important for the Netherlands; they also add to the bigger conversation about the future of the European Union (EU), focusing on topics like immigration, national identity, and who gets to make decisions.
Geert Wilders’ net worth
Geert Wilders is estimated to have a net worth close to $16 million.