Frank Arthur Hyppolite Vanhecke, born on May 30, 1959, in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is a former Belgian far-right politician and former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Vlaams Blok/Vlaams Belang. He is known for his long-standing involvement in Flemish nationalist and anti-immigration movements, with his party opposing immigration, multiculturalism, and Islam. Vanhecke began his political career during his student years, joining nationalist student organizations before leaving the Volksunie party in 1977 over federal reforms. He aligned with the Vlaams Nationale Partij, which evolved into Vlaams Blok, serving as its president from 1995 to 2004. After a 2004 court ruling condemned Vlaams Blok as a criminal organization for racism, it rebranded as Vlaams Belang, with Vanhecke remaining a key figure. He served as an MEP from 1999 to 2009, advocating against EU integration and for Flemish independence. His career has been marked by controversies, including a 2007 conviction for incitement to discrimination and hatred for statements about the 'Islamic threat,' resulting in a suspended prison sentence and fine. Criticized internationally for promoting xenophobia, Vanhecke retired from formal politics after 2009 but remains influential in far-right circles.