FvD refuses to remove racist podcast episode amid outcry
A podcast produced by the international arm of Dutch political party Forum voor Democratie (FvD) has triggered widespread criticism after a guest made racist and eugenic claims about Black and African people. The party has refused to remove the episode.
The episode of *Forum & Friends*, which was released on August 26, was hosted by British FvD staffer John Laughland. His guest was British author Simon Elmer, who discussed race, intelligence and what he described as genetically determined differences between African and European populations.
During the discussion, Elmer described Black people as genetically inferior and used the term “feeble-minded” when referring to people from several African countries. He also compared African people to “pack animals” and made claims about their supposed role in changing European societies.
Laughland repeatedly allowed Elmer to elaborate on his views and, according to reports, did not challenge the statements during the discussion. At the end of the conversation, Laughland said it was “hard to disagree” with Elmer’s analysis. The episode has remained available despite the controversy.
FvD parliamentary leader Ralf Dekker told *de Volkskrant* that he had not heard the episode. He said the podcast was intended to provide a platform for views that “provoke thought” and broaden perspectives. However, he said that if the statements were made as reported, he did not agree with them.
Despite that, Dekker said there was no reason to remove the episode, arguing that material should not be taken offline. FvD and Laughland have not responded to further questions about the controversy.
Political scientist Léonie de Jonge, who researches the far right, said the English-language podcast appears to be aimed at international far-right networks rather than primarily at Dutch voters. She warned that ideas promoted through such international networks can eventually enter wider political debate.