The Hague, Netherlands – Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), has temporarily halted his campaign for the Netherlands’ upcoming October 29th legislative elections following reports he was a potential target of a dismantled terrorist group. Belgian police disrupted the group in the Antwerp suburbs the day prior, according too Flemish television channel VTM, and multiple sources have confirmed Wilders was among those potentially targeted.
The suspension comes as the Netherlands prepares to vote after the collapse of Dick Schoof’s government in June – a crisis triggered by Wilders’ push for stricter immigration policies. Wilders missed a scheduled radio debate with other candidates on Friday, October 10th, and his participation in a televised debate slated for sunday is now uncertain.
Recent polling data indicates the PVV currently leads with 21% support,surpassing the combined total of 15.5% held by socialist and environmentalist left-leaning parties.
