In a surprising turn of events, the Dutch government has officially collapsed after the far-right leader Geert Wilders opted to withdraw his party, the Freedom Party (PVV), from the ruling coalition. This decision came following a heated disagreement about migration policies, leading Prime Minister Dick Schoof to announce his resignation along with the cabinet’s to King Willem-Alexander.
During an emergency cabinet meeting, Schoof labeled Wilders' exit as “irresponsible and unnecessary.” The coalition formed in July 2024 lasted less than a year, troubled from the start with infighting among its members, which included the conservative-liberal VVD, the Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract.
Wilders’ contentious push for strict asylum measures—such as a halt to new applications and limiting family unification—was a key factor behind the fallout. Many political figures expressed shock, pointing out that most of his demands reflected proposals already within the coalition agreement. Following the breakup, Wilders, eager for greater political leverage, stated his intention to become prime minister and expand the PVV’s influence ahead of the next elections.
Despite the sudden political upheaval, economic experts predict minimal immediate economic impact, as the closeness of competing political factions further heightens uncertainty. Polls indicate a tight race between the far-right and Green-Left parties, with public concerns focusing on migration and rising living costs.
With NATO’s upcoming summit in The Hague, current ministers are expected to function in a caretaker role until elections are scheduled, likely in the autumn. Analysts suggest that Wilders' gamble might backfire, as partners may hesitate to align with him after his risky maneuver, leaving the future of Dutch governance and its handling of immigration in the balance.
During an emergency cabinet meeting, Schoof labeled Wilders' exit as “irresponsible and unnecessary.” The coalition formed in July 2024 lasted less than a year, troubled from the start with infighting among its members, which included the conservative-liberal VVD, the Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract.
Wilders’ contentious push for strict asylum measures—such as a halt to new applications and limiting family unification—was a key factor behind the fallout. Many political figures expressed shock, pointing out that most of his demands reflected proposals already within the coalition agreement. Following the breakup, Wilders, eager for greater political leverage, stated his intention to become prime minister and expand the PVV’s influence ahead of the next elections.
Despite the sudden political upheaval, economic experts predict minimal immediate economic impact, as the closeness of competing political factions further heightens uncertainty. Polls indicate a tight race between the far-right and Green-Left parties, with public concerns focusing on migration and rising living costs.
With NATO’s upcoming summit in The Hague, current ministers are expected to function in a caretaker role until elections are scheduled, likely in the autumn. Analysts suggest that Wilders' gamble might backfire, as partners may hesitate to align with him after his risky maneuver, leaving the future of Dutch governance and its handling of immigration in the balance.
