Wilders latches on to euro crisis

The Netherlands’ anti-Muslim firebrand Geert Wilders has always had a knack for recognising political opportunities. On the 11 November 2011, he made a bid to fill an empty space in the Dutch political landscape by announcing that he was researching the consequences of abandoning the euro in favour of the old Dutch currency, the guilder.

'The euro is a failed project that has cost barrels full of money', Mr Wilders told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The announcement marked the latest step in a strategic shift for his Party for Freedom (PVV): as the eurozone crisis had intensified, the PVV has been concentrating less on its anti-Muslim rhetoric and more on its opposition to Europe.

RNW, 13.11.11: Third of Dutch want guilder back http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/third-dutch-want-guilder-back

ESO: Background information: Dutch support for Greek bail-out at risk http://www.europeansources.info/record/dutch-support-for-greek-bail-out-at-risk/

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