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Mr Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) is expected to make sweeping gains in next week’s Dutch election, and is on course to win the most seats. The populist leader is riding the wave of anti-establishment sentiment with his tough stance on immigration proving popular among voters. This marks a significant change in Dutch society, which has long been thought of as one of the most liberal countries in the world.

GETTY•CHANNEL 4 A Geert Wilders voter said he backs the leader as he pledges to help Dutch people.

He was convicted of inciting discrimination and insulting a group after he asked a crowd whether they wanted “fewer or more Moroccans in the Netherlands” at a rally in 2014. Ahead of the vote on March 15, Channel 4 journalist Matt Frei visited a suburb of Amsterdam where he spoke to two supporters of anti-Islam politician Mr Wilders. One man, known as Ronald Meulendijk, said he was in favour of the PVV chief because of his controversial policies.

CHANNEL 4 The interview came during a Channel 4 report on the Dutch election

“Every country should be proud to have its own cultures, its own identity, it’s own borders,” he said. “You should protect the people that are in your country, then after that, you can see what else you’re going to do.” The Dutch man was later quizzed on his views by Frei, who asked what he made of people who saw those attitudes as “closed and racist”. Unfazed, Mr Meulendijk openly responded: ”Then I am proud to be a racist - if that’s what they, say then I am proud to be a racist.”

CHANNEL 4 The Geert Wilders supporter was questioned whether his stance was "closed and racist"

The comments shocked some Channel 4 viewers, who instantly took to social media to condemn the remarks. One tweet read: "Brilliant but disturbing report on Dutch elections and Geert Wilders supporters. I am proud to be a racist says one". Traditionally a liberal country, Mr Wilders has promised to end immigration from Muslim countries, ban the Koran and close every mosque in the country. Despite being favourite to win the election, it’s likely the populist will not be become the country’s prime minister. It’s predicted current prime minister, Mark Rutte of the Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), will form a new coalition without the PVV, as VVD and other parties have said that they will not work with Mr Wilders.

Geert Wilders: These are the Party for Freedom leader's policies Wed, February 8, 2017 Noteworthy policies that Geert Wilders mentions in his party program. Play slideshow 1 of 14

Last month, Mr Rutte took out a newspaper advert promoting the “significance of Dutch values” in a move seen as a last-ditch attempt to win votes from Mr Wilders. It read: “Discomfort will increase if people misuse our freedom, especially since they came to this country to enjoy those freedoms. “I understand that people think: if you reject our country fundamentally, I’d rather see you go. I have the same feeling. Act normal or leave.”

GETTY Mr Wilders has been criticised for his stance on Islam