Dutch politics has been thrown into turmoil after far-right leader Geert Wilders abruptly suspended all campaign activities, following confirmation that he was named as a target in a foiled terrorist plot in neighboring Belgium. The news sent shockwaves through the Netherlands, where Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) is currently leading in the polls ahead of snap parliamentary elections scheduled for October 29, 2025. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of politicians and the resilience of democratic processes under threat.
The drama began on October 10, 2025, when Belgian authorities arrested three suspects in Antwerp on charges of planning a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack. According to Belgian prosecutors, the group’s targets included Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and, as it emerged later that day, Geert Wilders himself. The suspects, one a 23-year-old man from Chechnya and another just 18 years old, remain in custody as investigations continue. Police raids uncovered a homemade bomb—thankfully not operational—a bag of steel balls, and a 3D printer believed to have been used to make parts for the planned attack. Prosecutors stated, “the intention was to build a drone to attach a load,” hinting at a chilling level of sophistication and intent.
For Wilders, the threat was all too familiar. He has lived under constant police protection since 2004 due to a long history of threats, particularly from jihadist groups angered by his anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric. But even for someone accustomed to danger, this latest plot hit hard. On October 10, Wilders took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news: “The NCTV has just confirmed to me that, by the suspects arrested yesterday in connection with the thwarted attack on the Belgian prime minister, I was also mentioned as a target. This is not the first time in 21 years of threats and security that this has happened to me, but every time I am shocked. The NCTV does not expect a residual threat, but I personally feel unsafe and am therefore suspending all campaign activities for the time being.”
The Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) had informed Wilders that while no ongoing threat was anticipated, the seriousness of the plot could not be understated. Wilders’ decision to pull out of the campaign was immediate and sweeping. He canceled his appearance at the NOS radio debate on October 10 and announced he would not participate in the high-profile RTL election debate scheduled for October 12. RTL, the broadcaster, offered him the option to join remotely via video link, but Wilders declined. “Until I know that, I’m not going anywhere,” he wrote, underscoring his sense of unease.
Reactions from Dutch officials were swift and unequivocal. Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the situation “completely unacceptable” and “extremely serious.” In a statement posted to X, Schoof emphasized, “I trust that all involved security organizations and agencies are working closely together and doing everything possible to ensure that the campaigns and elections proceed safely. That is of the utmost importance for our democracy.” Meanwhile, caretaker Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Foort van Oosten echoed the sentiment, stating, “I will never accept that politicians are prevented from doing their work due to threats. I have asked the NCTV to do everything necessary so that Wilders can continue his work as soon as he wishes.”
The Belgian police operation that led to the arrests was no ordinary sweep. Authorities used explosives sniffer dogs during the raids in Antwerp, uncovering not only the aforementioned bomb and steel balls but also evidence suggesting the group was constructing a drone to deliver explosives. The Belgian prosecutor’s office confirmed that two suspects were placed in preventive detention and were to be arraigned in court on October 15, 2025. While prosecutors did not initially name the politicians targeted, Belgian media and subsequent confirmation from Wilders and Dutch authorities made it clear that the plot was aimed squarely at high-profile figures.
Wilders’ Party for Freedom has been riding high in the polls, buoyed by dissatisfaction with the previous government and a surge in support for anti-immigrant policies. The snap election, scheduled after Wilders’ role in provoking the collapse of a fragile four-party coalition, was already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Dutch politics. Now, with Wilders sidelined by security concerns, the campaign landscape looks dramatically altered.
For many Dutch voters, the latest threat is a stark reminder of the dangers facing politicians who take controversial stances. Wilders himself acknowledged the toll: “This is not the first time this has happened to me … but every time it happens, it shocks me enormously,” he wrote on X. Despite the NCTV’s assurance that there was no current residual threat, Wilders made it clear he would not resume campaigning “until further notice.”
The broader context is sobering. The Netherlands has long prided itself on open political debate and the ability of politicians to campaign freely. Yet, as this incident demonstrates, the specter of political violence is never far away. The fact that a homemade bomb, steel balls, and the means to build a weaponized drone were found in a European city is a jarring wake-up call for security services and the public alike.
Political reactions have spanned the spectrum. Some see Wilders’ suspension as a necessary precaution, given the very real risks he faces. Others worry about the precedent set when a leading candidate is forced off the campaign trail by threats, however credible. The situation has also prompted renewed debate about the adequacy of security arrangements for politicians, especially those with a history of attracting extremist ire.
Meanwhile, the Belgian investigation continues, with authorities tight-lipped about the full extent of the plot and whether more suspects may be involved. The international dimension—Dutch and Belgian politicians both targeted—has led to calls for even closer cooperation between European security agencies. As one Dutch official put it, “The safety of our democracy depends on our ability to protect those who represent it.”
It remains to be seen how Wilders’ absence will affect the election outcome. With many Dutch voters still undecided and the PVV’s momentum strong, the coming weeks promise to be unpredictable. But for now, the focus remains on ensuring that the elections can proceed safely and that no one—regardless of political persuasion—can be silenced by threats of violence.
In a political season already marked by tension and uncertainty, the foiled terror plot has cast a long shadow, reminding the Netherlands and its neighbors of the ever-present challenges to free and open democracy.
