Pim Fortuyn (1948-2002) was a politician and resident of Rotterdam who was assassinated on May 6, 2002. He became known as the leader of the political party Leefbaar Nederland (Liveable Netherlands) and later the Pim Fortuyn List (LPF). This statue commemorates Fortuyn, who is seen as the starting point of populist politics that would become highly influential first in Rotterdam and later throughout the Netherlands. After Fortuyn's assassination, a citizens' initiative campaigned for a sculpture as a monument to commemorate him. It can be seen as a political statement: not only in memory of a murdered Rotterdam resident, but primarily as a memorial in the form of a gravestone and obelisk, standing in the center of the city as a tribute to a populist voice in politics. Given its emotional significance, this work still holds a prominent place in Rotterdam. As a political monument to populism, this statue is an interesting and unique piece in Rotterdam. The text on the column, in stainless steel letters, reads: Loquendi libertatem custodiamusLatin for: "Let us safeguard freedom of speech." The statue was created by sculptor Corry Ammerlaan-Van Niekerk and unveiled on May 6, 2003.
