On Tuesday, Geert Wilders announced that his Party for Freedom (PVV) would exit the governing coalition, effectively toppling the right-wing government and paving the way for likely new elections in the Netherlands.
Wilders, an anti-Muslim populist who secured the most votes in the last election, had recently demanded urgent backing for his proposals to completely stop asylum migration, repatriate Syrian refugees, and close asylum shelters. His coalition partners, however, refused to endorse these measures.
After a brief meeting of the four coalition party leaders, Wilders declared on X (formerly Twitter), “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition.” He informed Prime Minister Dick Schoof that all PVV ministers would resign following his decision to leave the government.
“I signed up for the toughest asylum policy, not for the downfall of the Netherlands,” Wilders told reporters.
Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the coalition partner People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), criticized Wilders’ decision as “super irresponsible,” highlighting the enormous international challenges facing the country, including war in Europe and looming economic crises.
Centrist NSC party leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven also condemned the move, calling it “irresponsible to take down the government at this point.”
With PVV’s departure, the remaining parties could attempt to govern as a minority, but this option remains unlikely and unconfirmed.
New Elections Expected Amid Political Instability
Wilders’ withdrawal ends a fragile coalition that has struggled since forming in July last year. The collapse is expected to trigger snap elections in the coming months, delaying decisions on increasing defense spending to meet NATO commitments and adding to uncertainty in Europe’s fifth-largest economy.
This caretaker government will remain in place as the Netherlands hosts a NATO summit later this month to discuss defense targets.
The upcoming election will be closely watched amid the rise of far-right politics in Europe and tensions surrounding migration and economic pressures. It may serve as a test of whether public dissatisfaction can undermine European unity on Russia and potentially boost figures like US President Donald Trump.
Opposition leader Frans Timmermans said new elections are the only viable path to a stable government.
Wilders’ Waning Support and Controversies
Although Wilders won a strong 23% of the vote in the November 2023 election, recent polls suggest his party’s support has declined to around 20%, roughly equal to the Labour/Green alliance.
His demands last week included a controversial 10-point plan: shutting borders to asylum seekers, repatriating Syrian refugees, closing shelters, expelling migrants convicted of serious crimes, and deploying the military to reinforce border security.
Wilders, convicted in 2016 for hate speech against Moroccans, did not hold a ministerial role in government. His coalition deal with three conservative parties last year allowed his party influence, but the cabinet has been led by independent Prime Minister Dick Schoof, a former intelligence agency head.
