The Netherlands’ coalition government collapsed after Geert Wilders, leader of the nationalist Party for Freedom (PVV), withdrew his party from the administration.
The decision stemmed from disagreements over asylum policy, particularly the coalition’s reluctance to adopt Wilders’ stringent 10-point immigration plan.
This plan included measures such as deploying the military to secure borders, closing refugee shelters, repatriating Syrian refugees, and suspending EU asylum quotas .
Wilders announced the withdrawal on social media, stating, “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition.”
His departure leaves Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s government in crisis, just weeks before the Netherlands is set to host a major NATO summit.
Coalition partners expressed dismay at Wilders’ decision.
Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), called the move “super-irresponsible,” while Caroline van der Plas of the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) accused Wilders of prioritising personal interests over national stability .
The collapse of the government may lead to new elections, further political uncertainty, and potential delays in policy implementation, including defence spending commitments ahead of the upcoming NATO summit .
