The Dutch government has collapsed less than a year after far-right leader Geert Wilders led his Party for Freedom (PVV) to a sweeping electoral victory.
The ruling coalition crumbled on Tuesday after Wilders withdrew support, citing disagreements over immigration policy.
This marks the latest political upheaval in the Netherlands, where post-election coalition-building had already delayed the formation of a government until May 2024.
Despite winning the most seats, Wilders was not appointed prime minister.
Instead, a technocratic figure—former intelligence chief Dick Schoof—was selected to lead the administration, relying on consensus among four ideologically divergent parties.
Immigration reforms trigger coalition break
At the centre of the crisis is a dispute over asylum policy. Wilders had issued an ultimatum over the weekend, demanding that the coalition adopt his ten-point plan to curb immigration.
This included a complete halt to new asylum applications and a freeze on family reunifications for recognised refugees.
When these proposals were not fully integrated into the coalition’s Main Lines Agreement, Wilders declared his party’s exit.
In a post on X, Wilders reiterated his conditions, stating that if “the majority of our proposals from the ten-point asylum plan are not adopted by the coalition… then the PVV will withdraw.”
His demand for swift implementation by the cabinet proved incompatible with the more moderate approaches of his coalition partners.
Reactions from coalition partners and rivals
Other coalition leaders were quick to condemn Wilders’ move.
Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, who leads the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD)—the former ruling party under Prime Minister Mark Rutte—criticised Wilders for putting personal ambition above governance.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS, she said his decision was “super irresponsible” and accused him of choosing his ego over national interest.
The Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), another coalition partner, also issued a strong rebuke. In an official statement, party leader Caroline van der Plas said Wilders had “single-handedly pulled the plug” on the administration.
She added that governing was not equivalent to “threatening on social media,” referencing Wilders’ repeated public warnings.
Broader political implications in the EU
The collapse of the Dutch government raises broader questions about the stability of far-right parties once they transition from opposition to governance.
Although the PVV achieved a historic breakthrough in 2023, the party struggled to compromise within a coalition structure.
This event also throws into uncertainty the future of Dutch asylum policy and could delay key legislation that was scheduled for debate later this year.
For the European Union, the Dutch government’s failure adds to a growing list of political disruptions in member states where migration policy remains a polarising issue.
With elections in Germany and Austria approaching, analysts suggest that the Dutch example may serve as a cautionary tale for how far-right parties can destabilise governments if their demands are not met in full.
What comes next for Dutch leadership
The resignation of the coalition has set the stage for a fresh political reset.
Prime Minister Schoof is expected to remain in a caretaker role until new elections can be held or a new coalition is negotiated.
However, forming a government could prove even more difficult than last time, given the deepening divisions among the major parties.
Although Wilders has not ruled out returning to the negotiation table, the likelihood of his party being re-invited to coalition talks remains unclear.
Voters and observers alike will be watching closely to see if PVV’s electoral strength translates into future governance opportunities or further alienates potential allies.
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