PVV on defense in Europe debate

Marcel de Graaff, the PVV's frontrunner for the European Parliament elections on 22 May, came under fire on Thursday during a pre-election debate. The PvdA, VVD and D66 reproached De Graaff for working together with the French Front National. The Font National was set up by Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was earlier criticized for his anti-semitic speeches. According to De Graaff, the PVV is not in line with Le Pen senior, but with his daughter, Marine, who is now the party leader. "The PVV has always taken distance from anti-semitism." Hans van Baalen, VVD-frontrunner, claims that the PVV can't shake the connotations that easily, however. "You are sitting in-between two fires", he said, pointing to the extreme beliefs of both father and daughter Le Pen. According to Sophie in 't Veld, the PVV must "give clarity on where it stands." The debate was broadcast on Nieuwsuur, and also saw participation from CDA, GroenLinks and ChristenUnie/SGP.