Geert Wilders’ far-right party, the PVV, exited the Dutch governing coalition on Tuesday, a move that is expected to destabilize the right-wing government and prompt new elections. Wilders criticized his coalition partners for refusing to back his asylum migration proposals. He announced on social media that all PVV ministers would leave their posts, though Prime Minister Dick Schoof has yet to respond.
This surprising departure dismantles an already fragile coalition, which struggled to find consensus since its formation last July. New elections seem likely in the coming months, introducing further political uncertainty in the Netherlands, the fifth-largest economy in the euro zone. Additionally, the collapse might delay a crucial decision regarding a significant increase in defense spending to comply with NATO targets, leaving the country with only a caretaker government as a summit approaches in The Hague.
Coalition partners have expressed disbelief and frustration. Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the VVD party, remarked that Wilders’ actions were irresponsible, particularly given the ongoing war in Europe. Nicolien van Vroonhoven, head of the NSC party, echoed this sentiment, deeming it irresponsible to destabilize the government at this moment.
While the remaining parties could theoretically continue as a minority government, it’s unlikely they will pursue that path. Wilders previously won the most recent election but appears to be losing support, with recent polls placing the PVV at around 20%—on par with the Labour/Green coalition.
Wilders had pushed for stringent measures against asylum migration, including sending Syrian refugees back home, but his ideas were not embraced by his partners. He has had a controversial political history, having been previously convicted for discrimination against Moroccans in 2014, and is not a minister despite leading the party.
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