Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has stepped down following the collapse of the ruling coalition triggered by far-right leader Geert Wilders’ decision to pull his Freedom Party (PVV) out of government. The move is expected to pave the way for snap elections, plunging the Netherlands into fresh political uncertainty just 11 months after the last vote.
The coalition, composed of the anti-Islam PVV, the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) and the liberal-conservative VVD, had struggled with internal disagreements, especially over asylum and immigration policy.
Wilders on Tuesday announced that PVV ministers would leave the coalition, citing frustration over the lack of agreement on his tough immigration agenda. “I signed up for the toughest asylum policy, not the downfall of the Netherlands,” he told reporters. On social media, he added that there had been “no signoff” on the PVV’s proposals.
Prime Minister Schoof convened an emergency cabinet meeting, after which he formally resigned. “I have told party leaders repeatedly in recent days that the collapse of the cabinet would be unnecessary and irresponsible,” Schoof said after the cabinet meeting.
“We are facing major challenges both nationally and internationally that require decisiveness from us,” he added, before handing in his resignation.
While the remaining three parties could technically continue as a minority government, experts believe snap elections are the only viable option.
The now-defunct coalition was historic. It marked the first time the far-right PVV had joined a governing alliance after years on the opposition benches. Wilders only succeeded in entering government in 2023 by abandoning his bid for the premiership.
However, the coalition took nearly six months to form and remained fragile. The latest crisis may further hurt Wilders politically. According to The Guardian, PVV support has dipped to around 20%, putting it neck-and-neck with the Labour/Green alliance in recent polls.