Lilian Helder

Biography

"Full speed ahead, preferably in high heels"

As a young administrative law attorney, I often visited the Council of State. I would walk through the Binnenhof and fantasise about being an MP, like my role model Frits Bolkestein. I joined the PVV in 2010 and spent years championing the party’s cause. Although I had resolved to leave politics, Caroline van der Plas ended up persuading me to join BBB in 2023.

Thorough preparations

When I delve into a new issue, I make sure to read up well and follow developments closely. I am not one for shouting; I think it is important for politicians to treat each other respectfully and try to put themselves in each other's shoes. I do everything I do full speed ahead, and preferably in high heels.

Standing up for police officers

One of my most cherished possessions is a black-and-white photo of the Venlo municipal police from 1945. My grandpa used to be a motorcycle officer and he too is in that photo, puff trousers and all, alongside all his colleagues. Perhaps that is why I feel so strongly that police officers deserve our appreciation and protection. I have fought for a community service ban on violent crimes against policemen, ambulance personnel, and firefighters. While that proposal has not yet been passed, one of my achievements has been to ensure the neutrality of police uniforms. Police officers are keepers of the peace for all citizens, after all, so they should not wear a headscarf, yarmulke, or crucifix.

Education

• Dutch Law, Radboud University, Nijmegen

Career

• Lawyer, Houben en Van Dijck Lawyers 2007-2010
• Various appointments in the legal profession