The Dutch far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) has hit a rough patch in 2026. First, an internal split shook the party. Seven MPs left, citing concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

They wanted more democracy inside the PVV and better cooperation with other parties. These members also worried that the party, with Geert Wilders as its only official member, was too centralized. The move surprised many, marking the biggest split the PVV has seen since it formed in 2006.

Wilders’ party had soared in 2023 elections, winning 37 seats and joining the government coalition. But that coalition fell apart in less than a year. After new elections, PVV lost seats and became the second-largest party behind D66. The political scene is now dominated by talks between centrist and right-leaning parties aiming to form a minority government.

Legal Trouble and AI Image Manipulation

On top of its internal crisis, the PVV faced legal trouble over a manipulated image. Petra Urban, a court artist with nearly two decades of experience, discovered the party had altered her drawing of two Syrian brothers jailed for murder. The PVV used AI to make the brothers look more menacing and shared the image on social media without permission.

Urban was upset for three reasons: her work was used without asking, it was for a political cause, and AI distorted her sketch. Dutch law protects artists’ moral rights, allowing them to object to harmful changes. After Urban’s union demanded damages and licensing rights, a PVV MP apologized and paid compensation. The altered video was also taken down.

Urban stressed this case shows a dangerous trend. Manipulating journalistic and artistic work with AI can erode trust in media neutrality. She made it clear she does not support the PVV politically, but the issue is about fairness and respect for creators.

Security Threats and Election Campaign Halt

Meanwhile, Geert Wilders faced serious security threats. Dutch and Belgian authorities uncovered a planned terrorist attack involving a drone. Wilders was named a potential target along with Belgium’s Prime Minister. The suspects had homemade explosives and a 3D printer to build drone parts.

Wilders, under police protection since 2004 for his outspoken views, paused his election campaign after the threat. This came at a tense time with elections approaching and political tensions high. Authorities increased security for politicians and public events. The incident highlighted new tactics by extremist groups using drones.

Ongoing Political and Legal Battles

Wilders is also embroiled in a court case over his controversial remarks about Moroccans. New evidence suggests prosecutors consulted with the Ministry of Justice when handling his case. Wilders claims officials pushed for harsh action against him. This legal battle adds to the PVV’s troubles.

On the local level, the PVV’s Pekela branch ended its cooperation with the Socialist Party. This move reflects broader instability within the party as it struggles with internal disagreements and public criticism.

The PVV finds itself at a crossroads. It faces pressure to reform internally, legal challenges, and security threats. How it manages these issues will shape its future role in Dutch politics. The party’s use of AI to alter images shows the growing impact of technology on political communication and the risks it carries for trust and ethics.

As the Netherlands heads toward its next elections, the PVV’s story is a clear example of how politics, technology, and security intersect in today’s world. The party’s challenges reveal deeper questions about leadership, democracy, and the responsible use of AI in public life.