Having a spineless prime minister who is/was overly politically correct isn't going to get the Netherlands any browny points either (referring as much to Balkonende as the current one). Having a contrast like Wilders (but yes a bit toned down) is exactly what this country needs..

Some years ago Vroom&Dressman had a campaign where they made their employees wear a button that said "Ask me for a smile" not only did this go counter to just smiling in general, but you never saw employees so miserable for having to wear them. They were gone in a couple weeks:-p

Of course he is right. The Netherlands reputation has been ruined by the Rutte I government. And a reputation takes a long time to build and is destroyed very quickly, as we now see

The Netherlands has a very distinctive Christian , Judaic culture, and I firmly believe that anyone immigrating to Holland, while maintaining their own beliefs, should assimilate into the Dutch culture. i.e., if you are leaving your native land because of bad laws, or politics, than leave them there , do not try to force your ideals on your host country.

There's that word again: Politically correct.

I think the word means "respectful". And what's wrong with that?

Believe it or not Michael, but the Netherlands has to live within a community of nations (on which it depends to sell most of its products) that do not like "Wilders-like" "contrasts". Political correctness is not the same as political spinelessness.

Perhaps the Government can follow AkzoNobel and Storks's lead and set up their own programme to train civil servants on how to smile.

People here generally tend to smile more when they've been naughty, dishonest, cheated or broken the law & gotten away with it... :)

(Points finger @ 'Rutter smiley'.)

@Adrianus Binne Martinus Van Den Enden: Your comment has nothing at all to do with this article (I will not even go into whether I agree or not on your comment and why)

I think it should be Diplomacy With a Laugh.

In that I mean everytime someone mentions Wilders the diplomat should laugh very loudly and then say who?

Seriously the solution to the image problem requires changing the antiquated election laws to ban parties that do not have owner-membership (there is only one member in the PVV - gess who...) and no internal voting for policies.

As long as NL does not get rid of such stains then the bad smell will remain regardless of smiles, laughs or excuses.

fact is NL is small and non relevant. just try to be a good puppy to the bigger powers.

Dutch diplomats and businessmen in general can do one simple thing to improve their image. Try assuming just for a second that you may not be the smartest person in the room. It won't be easy, I know, but give it a try.