Martin Bosma

Biography

“Original PVV member”

I’ve been a member of the PVV from the very beginning, joining Geert when he left the VVD in 2004. We were forced to embrace a pioneer mindset: we had nothing apart from the three cardboard boxes Geert had brought with him. For the first few months, I was officially an ‘intern’ on about 500 euros a month. It took some getting used to at first, because I had been an executive before that.

Greatest job in the world

Before I entered politics, I was a journalist. I started working at a small newspaper in the Zaan region at 17, while still in secondary school. I loved each and every moment: chasing the news with a notebook in hand before going home to write a good article. Reporters have the greatest job in the world. Later, I also worked as a journalist for radio and TV.

Left-wing stronghold

I have a PhD in political science from the University of Amsterdam. It was already a left-wing stronghold back then, so it wasn’t always a picnic. I also spent a few years in the United States, in New York where I got a Master's degree at the New School for Social Research. As a 'University in Exile’, it had taken in a large number of scientists forced to flee National Socialism.

Deeply rooted love of freedom

In New York, I worked as a journalist for ABC News, CNN and RTL. For CNN Business News, I was a financial journalist, which meant I spent a lot of time on Wall Street and at financial institutions. I also worked for a shelter project for young people from the ghetto during my time there. America will always be a special country for me because of its deeply rooted love of freedom.

New York skyline

Whenever I see the skyscrapers, I am always reminded of Ayn Rand’s words: “I would give the greatest sunset in the world for one sight of New York’s skyline. (…) The sky over New York and the will of man made visible.”

Hardliners for freedom

My political heroes are former MPs like Jacques de Kadt and Pieter 't Hoen, men with a strong social conscience who were hardliners in the defence of our freedom. Both are former journalists, I might add.

Education

• Master's degree Sociology (liberal studies), New School for Social Research, New York 1992
• Doctorate political science (public administration), University of Amsterdam 1990
• Pre-university education 1985

Career

• Political secretary for the Groep Wilders 2004-2006
• Director of Dutch Radio Group 2002-2003
• Manager, Cameo Newsbites 2000-2001
• Journalist for De Zaanlander, CNN, ABC News, RTL New York, NOS News, Veronica News radio, World Service 1981-1999