On October 10, 2025, Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders made the dramatic decision to suspend all his campaign activities, just weeks ahead of the Netherlands’ hotly anticipated national election. The move came after Dutch and Belgian authorities revealed a chilling plot: Wilders, along with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, had been targeted by a suspected jihadist cell whose plans included the use of explosives and possibly even drones.
The story unfolded rapidly over the previous days. According to reporting from Reuters and the BBC, Belgian police launched raids on four homes in Antwerp on October 9, 2025, detaining three young men in connection with the plot. The search uncovered a homemade bomb—though not yet operational—along with a bag of steel balls and a 3D printer allegedly intended to help construct a drone capable of delivering an explosive payload. Prosecutors described the investigation as one into "attempted terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist group."
Belgian authorities, as cited by AFP/Getty Images, confirmed that both Prime Minister de Wever and Wilders were among the politicians the cell had planned to attack. The Dutch National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism and Safety (NCTV) quickly informed Wilders of his status as a target. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wilders explained, "The NCTV does not foresee any 'residual threat' but I have a bad feeling and I am therefore suspending all my campaign activities for the time being."
Wilders’ decision sent shockwaves through Dutch politics. His Party for Freedom (PVV) is currently leading in the polls, and the upcoming general election, scheduled for October 29, 2025, was already shaping up to be fiercely contested. Wilders, a polarizing figure known for his anti-Islam and anti-immigration positions, has long been a lightning rod for controversy—and, tragically, for threats to his life. He has lived under constant police protection since 2004 due to repeated threats from Islamist groups, a fact that has shaped both his politics and his public persona.
The timing of the threat could hardly have been more consequential. Wilders had been preparing for a series of pivotal debates, including one scheduled for October 10, 2025, that many considered the official kickoff of the election campaign. He canceled that debate, as well as a high-profile televised event with leaders of the three other largest parties, citing the security situation. Dutch public broadcaster NOS, which was set to host the debate, reported that they offered Wilders the option to participate by telephone—but he declined.
Other political leaders responded swiftly. Dilan Yeşilgöz, head of the right-wing People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), said she would be willing to move an upcoming debate to a secret location to enable Wilders’ participation. Dutch Justice Minister Foort van Oosten took to X to assure the public that he had requested the NCTV "do everything necessary to enable Mr. Wilders to resume his work as soon as he wishes." He added pointedly, "I will never accept that politicians can't do their work because of threats."
The Dutch national anti-terrorism agency, NCTV, emphasized that the immediate threat appeared to have been neutralized following the Belgian police operation. As Devdiscourse reported, the agency stated that there was no ongoing risk from the group whose members had been arrested. However, the psychological impact on Wilders was clear. Despite the official reassurances, he insisted, "I have a bad feeling about this and am suspending all my campaign activities until further notice."
Belgian prosecutors, quoted by DW and Reuters, revealed that the suspects were believed to be planning "a jihadist-inspired terrorist attack targeting politicians." The details that have emerged paint a disturbing picture: the homemade bomb, the steel balls, and the 3D printer all pointed to a plot that was both innovative and potentially deadly. Prosecutors indicated that the intention was to build a drone capable of carrying an explosive load, a tactic that has been seen in conflict zones but is still rare in Western Europe.
While the suspects’ ultimate targets were not officially named in court documents, Belgian government ministers publicly identified Prime Minister de Wever as one, and Wilders’ own statements—confirmed by Dutch authorities—made clear he was another. The political ramifications are significant. Wilders’ PVV party has surged in popularity, buoyed by his populist messaging and hardline stance on immigration. He won the previous election two years ago with a surprisingly wide margin, though his party’s first stint in government collapsed within a year amid disputes over immigration policy.
Wilders’ suspension of his campaign comes at a critical juncture. With the Dutch electorate deeply divided over issues like migration, security, and national identity, his absence from the campaign trail could alter the dynamics of the race. Some analysts, as noted by Reuters, suggest that the threat—and Wilders’ response—could even bolster his support among voters who see him as a victim of the very dangers he has long warned against.
Yet the incident also raises sobering questions about the state of political discourse and security in Europe. The use of drones as potential weapons, the cross-border nature of the plot, and the targeting of high-profile politicians all underscore the evolving tactics of terrorist groups and the persistent vulnerability of democratic institutions. For Wilders, the threat is all too familiar. His career has been defined by both his outspoken rhetoric and the extraordinary security measures required to keep him safe.
For now, the Dutch public waits to see whether Wilders will return to the campaign trail before the October 29 vote. His party remains at the forefront of the polls, but the uncertainty surrounding his participation has injected a new layer of unpredictability into an already volatile election season. As the country grapples with the implications of the foiled plot, one thing is clear: the intersection of security and politics in the Netherlands has never felt more fraught—or more consequential.
