THE HAGUE, Netherlands (Diya TV) — The Dutch government has collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders pulled his Party for Freedom (PVV) out of the ruling coalition, citing a breakdown in talks over asylum and immigration policies. The move leaves the country’s most right-leaning government in history in chaos and without a parliamentary majority.
“I signed up for the strictest asylum policy, not for the downfall of the Netherlands,” Wilders told reporters Tuesday morning. “Our responsibility for this cabinet, therefore, ends here.” His announcement came after his proposed 10-point plan to drastically cut immigration, including closing asylum centers and deploying the army to secure Dutch borders, was rejected by coalition partners.
The decision abruptly ends a fragile coalition formed after the November 2023 elections, in which Wilders’ PVV won the largest share of votes at 23%, riding a wave of populist sentiment. However, despite the win, Wilders was blocked from becoming prime minister. Instead, the coalition selected Dick Schoof, an unelected technocrat and former security official, to lead the government as a compromise figure.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting Tuesday afternoon, Schoof announced his resignation and confirmed the government would transition into a caretaker role until a new coalition could be formed. “Without the PVV’s support, it is impossible for this government to carry on,” Schoof said, calling the decision “unnecessary and irresponsible.”
The collapse leaves Schoof’s cabinet with just 51 out of 150 seats in the Dutch parliament, effectively ending its mandate. Ministers from the PVV will step down, while the remaining members continue to manage day-to-day affairs until elections can be held—likely not before October.
Wilders’ move has drawn criticism from both inside and outside the political establishment. “There is a war on our continent. Instead of meeting the challenge, Wilders is showing he is not willing to take responsibility,” said Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), one of the coalition partners. Nicolien van Vroonhoven, leader of the centrist New Social Contract party, called Wilders’ decision “irresponsible.”
Frans Timmermans, leader of the Labour/Green Left alliance, urged swift elections and said he could “see no other way to form a stable government.”
Despite Wilders’ high-profile exit, polls suggest his PVV remains the country’s largest party, though it has slipped slightly in recent weeks and now polls at around 20%, tied with Timmermans’ opposition alliance. However, the fragmented nature of Dutch politics—where no party has ever won a majority—means that forming a new government will likely be another prolonged and contentious process.
This political upheaval comes just days after nationalist conservative Karol Nawrocki won Poland’s presidential election, signaling growing momentum for right-wing populists across Europe.
Wilders, known for his inflammatory rhetoric, has long pushed a hardline anti-immigration agenda. He was convicted of discrimination in 2016 after leading chants against Moroccan immigrants at a campaign rally. His party’s platform calls for “no Islamic schools, Qurans, and mosques,” making it a controversial force even within the broader right-wing movement.
While his supporters praise his tough stance on immigration, critics say his latest move prioritizes political grandstanding over governance. Wilders remains adamant. “The PVV promised voters the strictest asylum policy ever,” he said. “I could do nothing other than say that we are now withdrawing our support for this cabinet.”
