SBS Dateline | Mr Controversial

Many people would probably dismiss Dutch politician Geert Wilders as a right-wing extremist for his anti-Islam manifesto, in which he says Islam is retarded and vows to ban the Koran.

But his ‘Freedom Party’ has come from the fringe of politics to gain significant support in the Dutch Parliament, increasing its seats to 24, placing him in a position where he could now decide the future of Holland’s government.

Like Australia, the Netherlands has a hung parliament. At first the parties said they wouldn’t negotiate with Wilders, but after two months of failed talks, he may now have the deciding vote on who rules the country.

Video journalist Mark Davis tries to get inside the mind of this controversial politician as he works under 24 hour protection to spread his word in the Netherlands, and prepares to travel to the United States to pass on his anti-Islam message at the September 11th anniversary in New York.

WATCH - See Mark’s report from the Netherlands on Geert Wilders and the controversy surrounding him.

BIOGRAPHY - Find out more about Geert Wilders' background and political career.

BLOG - Executive Producer Peter Charley writes about the huge response following the broadcast of this story.

STORY UPDATE (FEBRUARY 2013) - Geert Wilders tells SBS he is 'happy' to be in Australia for a speaking tour, despite getting a frosty reception from local politicians. Read more and watch an extended interview.

Photo (protest): AAP