Pim Fortuyn

In an interview with de Volkskrant, Fortuyn described Islam as a 'backward culture', advocated a substantial reduction in immigration and stated that he would admit no more Muslims if the law allowed it. The Leefbaar Nederland leadership considered these positions incompatible with the party's stance and removed him as lead candidate when he refused to distance himself from them.

State of the evidence

Statements and political split documented

Legal status — source text

Several organisations filed complaints for insult and discrimination; no conviction recorded here

Attribution

Directly implicated

Fortuyn argued that Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution, prohibiting discrimination, could be abolished to give greater precedence to freedom of expression. This position was one of the principal factors behind his split with Leefbaar Nederland.

State of the evidence

Public position documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Fortuyn opposed a proposal to ban mink farming for fur and reportedly indicated that he would repeal the ban if his party came to power. This position prompted strong hostility from animal protection organisations.

State of the evidence

Political position reported by several historical sources

Attribution

Directly implicated

In August 2001, Fortuyn called for a 'cold war against Islam', intensifying his rhetoric concerning fundamentalism and integration. This formulation helped make his criticism of Islam a major national controversy.

State of the evidence

Historical statement documented in archives

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 1997, Fortuyn published 'Tegen de islamisering van onze cultuur', presenting Islamisation as a threat to Dutch values, particularly the separation of church and state, gender equality and LGBT rights. The book sparked considerable controversy and allegations of racism, xenophobia and intolerance.

State of the evidence

Book and public controversy documented

Attribution

Directly implicated