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Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders withdrew his party from the government Tuesday over immigration policy disagreements, bringing down a shaky coalition and likely triggering snap elections.
Wilders expressed frustration with what he saw as the slow pace of introducing the "strictest-ever immigration policy" agreed with coalition partners after his shock election win in November 2023.
"No signature for our asylum plans ... PVV leaves the coalition," Wilders said on X, referring to his far-right Freedom Party (PVV).
Last-ditch crisis talks on Tuesday morning lasted barely half an hour before the leaders of the four coalition parties emerged in a testy mood.
"I have just informed the prime minister that I will withdraw the PVV ministers from the cabinet and that we can no longer bear responsibility for this," Wilders announced.
"I signed up for the strictest asylum policy, not for the downfall of the Netherlands and that our responsibility for this cabinet therefore ends at this moment," he added.
Wilders recently presented a 10-point plan aimed at tightening immigration policies, demanding coalition partners approve it or include it in the coalition agreement. His plan included border closures for asylum-seekers, tougher border controls, and deporting dual nationals convicted of crimes.
When coalition partners failed to approve his proposals, Wilders threatened to withdraw from government. After talks that began Monday failed to reach an agreement, he announced the withdrawal Tuesday morning.
The Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. today to announce how it will proceed following Wilders' withdrawal of PVV ministers from government.
Liberal VVD party leader Dilan Yesilgoz harshly criticized Wilders' decision as "super irresponsible," saying, "How can you do this to the Netherlands?"
"Geert's goal is not about the substance of the matter. His real aim is not the immigration issue, the Netherlands' interests, or voters," Yesilgoz stated, expressing shock that someone would "put their own interests first and leave the country alone at this moment."
Farmers' party BBB leader Caroline van der Plas described Wilders' decision as "completely irresponsible, reckless and incomprehensible for those hoping for change."
New Social Contract (NSC) leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven also called Wilders' stance "irresponsible and incomprehensible," noting that the other three coalition partners were willing to cooperate on strict immigration policies.
Opposition parties have begun calling for early elections following the coalition's collapse.
Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) leader Henri Bontenbal said new elections are "the best option" after "two years of experimentation and political chaos," calling for "a proper government with more peace, cleanliness and order."
Democrats 66 (D66) leader Rob Jetten said he was not surprised by the coalition's dissolution, noting, "If it hadn't happened today, everyone was expecting it in the coming weeks." Jetten claimed other coalition partners had been "held hostage" by Wilders.
The withdrawal creates political uncertainty in the European Union's fifth-largest economy and major exporter, coming just weeks before the Netherlands is due to host world leaders for a NATO summit.
Eighteen months after his surprise election win sent shockwaves through Europe, polls suggest Wilders' PVV remains the strongest party, though the gap to nearest rivals has narrowed.
Recent polls show the PVV dropping from 37 seats to around 30, bringing it level with second and third-place parties, indicating any election would likely be closely fought.
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