Overview
- He had canceled events about a week earlier after Belgian authorities detained two suspects accused of plotting attacks targeting Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and him.
- In a post on X, he cited a great responsibility to the country and PVV voters and noted decades of threats and round-the-clock protection as a burden for his family.
- The October 29 election was triggered by the June collapse of the right‑wing coalition after he withdrew PVV ministers in a dispute over tougher asylum laws.
- Polling shows the PVV around 20% and potentially finishing first, but most established parties refuse to work with him, constraining his prospects for governing.
- His campaign centers on a total halt to admitting asylum seekers and on easing the housing shortage, and his earlier spell in government installed nonpartisan Dick Schoof as prime minister after partners blocked him.