Middle East Online: Netherlands - Dutch MP Geert Wilders thrives on Islamophobic controversy
Living in a secret location with 24-hour bodyguards, Dutch far-right MP Geert Wilders faces even tougher security after his film on Islam prompted an increased terror alert even before its release. The 44-year-old politician with a striking mane of blonde hair thrives on the publicity he gets calling for an end to immigration from Muslim countries and for Turkey to be kept out of the European Union.Wilders started his political career in the rightwing liberal VVD party. He became a deputy in 1998 but left the VVD in September 2004 saying it was not rightwing enough. He created his own Freedom party before elections in 2006. The party's hardline position on immigration helped the Wilders' group win nine seats in the 150 member parliament.
Wilders is married to a Bulgarian whom he admits "sometimes does not agree with my ideas". He lists his hobbies on his website as reading and writing.
Labels: EU, Geert Wilders, Islam, The Netherlands
