The government of the Netherlands is in turmoil following the departure of Geert Wilders from the ruling coalition over immigration disagreements. Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced his resignation and tendered the cabinet's resignation to King Willem-Alexander, labeling Wilders' actions as "irresponsible and unnecessary."
The coalition, which saw its formation in July 2024 after prolonged political negotiations, lasted less than one year. The rift erupted after Wilders advocated for ten new asylum policies, including halting applications and constructing reception centers. Despite some of these proposals mirroring existing coalition plans, Wilders walked out of an emergency cabinet meeting, definitively ending their partnership.
Political reactions ranged from shock to ire, with critiques emphasizing that Wilders engineered the crisis to bolster his party’s leverage. Leaders from partners VVD and BBB expressed their fury, with VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz calling it "super irresponsible" and Deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer suggesting Wilders was putting personal ambitions above national interests.
While the economic repercussions of the government’s collapse appear limited—according to ABN AMRO’s chief economist Sandra Phlippen—political volatility remains high, particularly regarding migration and the cost of living, issues that are polarizing voters across Europe. Polls indicate that the far-right and Green-Left parties are closely matched in public support, fueling uncertainty in the political landscape.
In light of the scrutiny following his departure and a NATO summit slated for later this month, Schoof’s administration will function in a caretaker role until a new election date is determined, likely in the upcoming autumn. Amidst these developments, the challenge for Wilders will be negotiating future coalitions, especially following the perception of reckless ambition. With asylum issues likely to dominate his election campaign, the consequences of toppling the coalition may complicate his political strategy moving forward.
