The Hague (Netherlands) — Dutch government has collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders pulled his Party for Freedom (PVV) out of the coalition. In response, Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced his resignation and plans to continue in a caretaker role.

Wilders ended support for the coalition following a failed push for strict asylum policies, including a border closure, family reunification ban, and deportation of asylum seekers to Syria.

Dutch Government: Schoof Resigns, Calls Wilders’ Move “Irresponsible”

Schoof confirmed his resignation in a press conference Tuesday. He said Wilders’ actions were “irresponsible and unnecessary” and warned of potential instability.

“This should not have happened,” Schoof said.
“At home and abroad, we face major challenges. More than ever, the Netherlands needs stability.”

The prime minister will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until King Willem-Alexander accepts the resignation and a new government is formed.

Dutch Government Coalition Crumbles Over Asylum Policy Clash

Wilders’ decision followed a failed cabinet meeting Tuesday morning. The session lasted just one minute before Wilders walked out.

“No signature for our asylum plans. PVV leaves the coalition,” Wilders wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

His demands included:

• Closing the Dutch border to new asylum seekers
• Halting the construction of asylum centers
• Temporarily stopping all family reunification
• Repatriating some asylum seekers to Syria

These demands, though similar to items already in the coalition agreement, were deemed legally unworkable by Schoof’s partners. 

Dutch Government Coalition Parties Accuse Wilders of Political Stunt

The PVV formed a coalition in July 2024 with:

• VVD (conservative-liberals)
• BBB (Farmers’ Citizen Movement)
• New Social Contract (centrist)

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz called Wilders’ move “super irresponsible.” Deputy PM Mona Keijzer (BBB) said Wilders “betrayed the Netherlands.”

Many believe Wilders deliberately engineered the collapse to center asylum in his upcoming election campaign.

A Snap Election Likely

Now, the Netherlands is headed toward fresh elections, unless the remaining parties manage to form a new coalition. However, that scenario is unlikely.

A snap election could take place later this year, but no official date has been announced.

With the NATO summit scheduled in The Hague this month, Schoof’s government is expected to stay on as caretakers until elections are held.

Wilders Takes Political Gamble

Wilders, whose PVV won the 2023 parliamentary elections, was kept out of the prime minister’s post during coalition negotiations. Instead, non-partisan Dick Schoof, a former spy chief, was appointed—breaking tradition since 1918.

Though PVV support had declined, the party recently surged back in polls after Wilders revealed his asylum plans.

“I signed up for the strictest asylum policy, not for the downfall of the Netherlands,” Wilders said Tuesday.

He vowed to become prime minister in the next election and promised to make the PVV “bigger than ever.”

Critics Say Cabinet Achieved Little

Critics say the cabinet accomplished very little during its 11-month tenure.

“The cabinet that was supposed to stand up for the citizens was destroyed by amateurism,” wrote NRC, a Dutch newspaper.

Opposition parties welcomed the collapse. Jimmy Dijk of the Socialist Party said the country was “liberated from a political hostage situation.”

Economists expect limited short-term economic impact, since the government had made few concrete plans during its term.

What’s Next for the Netherlands?

The Dutch political landscape is now deeply uncertain. Wilders may try to capitalize on the asylum issue, but his party has led immigration policy for nearly a year — which could backfire at the polls.

Dutch politics, known for its multi-party structure, means no single party can win outright. Coalition talks will likely resume after the next vote.

Until then, Schoof’s government will handle day-to-day governance, but major reforms are off the table.

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