Analysis
The **2017 PVV election manifesto** explicitly called for a Dutch EU referendum (modeled after Brexit), the reintroduction of the guilder, and an end to Schengen’s open borders—aligning with Wilders’ statement. However, the phrasing implies immediate, unilateral action, which ignores the **legal and treaty-based obstacles** (e.g., EU withdrawal processes under Article 50, euro exit mechanisms, and Schengen’s interconnected policies). The PVV’s proposals were **aspirational** rather than actionable plans with clear implementation pathways. Wilders has repeatedly made such statements, but their practicality remains contested by legal experts and economists.
Background
The **Party for Freedom (PVV)**, led by Geert Wilders, has long been **Eurosceptic**, advocating for Dutch sovereignty over EU integration. The 2017 manifesto reflected this stance amid rising populist sentiment in Europe (e.g., Brexit in 2016, Le Pen’s 2017 campaign in France). However, the Netherlands’ **deep economic and legal ties to the EU** (e.g., single market access, Eurozone membership) make such proposals highly disruptive, with no precedent for a member state successfully exiting the euro or Schengen unilaterally.
Verdict summary
Geert Wilders and the PVV *did* advocate for the Netherlands to leave the EU ('Nexit'), abandon the euro, and restore stricter border controls in their **2017 manifesto**, but the claim oversimplifies the feasibility and legal complexities of these proposals.