wilders zocht smoes om debatten te mijden, blijkt uit appjes
Den Haag, zondag, 1 maart 2026.
Gelekte appjes tonen dat Geert Wilders tijdens de verkiezingscampagne actief een smoes zocht om verkiezingsdebatten te mijden. Hij vroeg zijn vertrouweling Gidi Markuszower expliciet om een list te verzinnen. Ondertussen gebruikte hij een vermeende terreurcel-dreiging in België als excuus, terwijl de NCTV geen restdreiging vaststelde. Binnen de PVV heerste een giftige sfeer, aldus ex-fractieleden. Zij beschrijven een cultuur van angst en afrekenen. Ruim tien PVV-fractieleden legden vakanties stil voor campagnes die Wilders grotendeels negeerde. De onthullingen werpen ernstige vragen op over politieke verantwoording en transparantie binnen de partij.
wilders sought excuse to avoid debates during campaign
Leaked WhatsApp messages reveal that Geert Wilders actively sought ways to avoid major election debates during the 2025 campaign period. In communications with his then-trusted ally Gidi Markuszower, Wilders expressed reluctance to participate, stating “Kon ik die debatten maar skippen” and asking Markuszower to devise a strategy to justify non-participation [1]. His concerns were less about policy preparation and more focused on crafting a plausible public excuse to stay away from televised political confrontations [2].
using security threats as justification
On October 10, 2025, Wilders cancelled participation in the NOS radio debate citing personal unease amid reports of a potential terror threat in Belgium [3]. He messaged Markuszower saying he felt unwell and asked for help inventing a credible excuse: “Verzin een smoes dat ik niet hoef te gaan” [1]. However, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) confirmed there was no residual threat following the dismantling of a jihadist cell [4]. Despite official reassurances, Wilders maintained his decision, raising questions about the authenticity of his stated security concerns [5].
internal party tensions and fallout
Former PVV members describe a toxic working environment under Wilders’ leadership, characterized by fear and control [1]. Several MPs reported being pressured to cancel vacations for campaign duties that Wilders himself often ignored [6]. One senior figure, René Claassen, admitted regretting never standing up for younger colleagues, calling the culture “based on fear and settling scores” [7]. Tensions culminated in January 2026 when seven parliamentarians, including Markuszower, left the party after years of growing dissatisfaction with its direction and management style [8].
refusal to engage despite coalition pressures
Even after stepping down as party leader, Wilders continued to resist accountability efforts regarding the campaign’s shortcomings [9]. When approached by journalists for comment on the revelations, he declined to respond directly [1]. Meanwhile, the group led by Markuszower began cooperating with coalition parties such as D66, VVD, and CDA on key legislation, including pension reforms discussed in early 2026 [10]. Their shift signaled both a break from Wilders’ isolationist approach and an attempt to preserve certain aspects of PVV policy through constructive opposition rather than outright confrontation [11].