Right-wing extremists are trying to make their ideas more acceptable to a wider audience by presenting a “softer version” of their views, according to warnings from the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). In a joint analysis, the security services say some extremists are also trying to influence political parties from within.

“This exposes as many people as possible, repeatedly, to right-wing extremist ideas. This reduces resistance to their views and expressions while increasing their acceptance,” the researchers said.

The report also states that the involvement of far-right groups in public debate leaves less room for dialogue and solutions. Right-wing extremist ideology is based on the idea that people are unequal because of their skin color and the belief that white people are superior.

Marc Kuipers, National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism, warned that normalizing right-wing extremist ideas and rhetoric could have security consequences. “People willing to use violence may also feel that this normalization gives them justification to take action themselves,” he said. “It is therefore essential to recognize how right-wing extremists seek to normalize their ideas and rhetoric and to limit their influence.”