The Dutch government collapsed on Tuesday, June 3, after Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), withdrew his party from the ruling coalition, triggering a political crisis and setting the stage for snap elections later this year.
Wilders announced the PVV’s exit following a breakdown in negotiations over stricter immigration controls, a central pillar of his party’s platform.
– No signature for our asylum plans. No changes to the Main Outline Agreement. PVV leaves the coalition, Wilders posted on social media after a tense meeting with coalition leaders.
He argued that his partners had failed to support his 10-point plan, which called for suspending asylum applications, halting family reunification for refugees, and returning asylum seekers to Syria.
Unnecessary and irresponsible
Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who took office last July as an independent, resigned immediately after Wilders’ announcement.
– I will continue as a caretaker… until a new cabinet is in place. Because life in the Netherlands and abroad does go on, Schoof told reporters, calling the decision “unnecessary and irresponsible”.
The collapse leaves the Netherlands with a caretaker government just weeks before it is due to host a major NATO summit in The Hague, and as NATO pushes allies to increase defense spending.
The four-party coalition, formed after the PVV’s shock victory in the November 2023 election, had struggled to maintain unity. With PVV’s departure, the coalition loses its majority, retaining only 51 of 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
The other coalition parties reacted with frustration and disbelief.
– This is making us look like fools. There is a war on our continent. Instead of addressing the challenge, Wilders is demonstrating a lack of willingness to take responsibility, said Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the conservative VVD.
The Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) accused Wilders of “single-handedly” ending the government, warning of “at least a year and a half of stagnation”.
Political uncertainty
The Netherlands now faces a period of political uncertainty. Elections are expected no earlier than mid-October, given the parliamentary recess and the time needed to organize a vote.
Recent polls indicate that Wilders’ support has slipped since last year’s win, with the Labour/Green coalition now polling neck-and-neck with the PVV.
The collapse underscores the deep divisions in Dutch politics, particularly over migration, and reflects a broader trend of political fragmentation and rightward shifts seen across Europe in recent years.