On June 3, 2025, the Dutch government collapsed after Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) withdrew from the ruling coalition, citing frustration over delays in implementing a strict immigration plan. The collapse, which comes just weeks before the Netherlands is set to host a NATO summit, has plunged the country into political uncertainty and triggered preparations for snap elections likely to be held by October.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof, a former intelligence chief appointed in July 2024, submitted the cabinet’s resignation to King Willem-Alexander shortly after the PVV’s departure. He will remain in office to lead a caretaker government until a new coalition is formed, according to Reuters.
The four-party coalition had been in place since July 2024, following the PVV’s strong showing in the November 2023 general election, where it secured approximately 23.5% of the vote and 37 seats. The government also included the conservative-liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the agrarian-focused Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract (NSC).
The coalition promised to pursue the Netherlands’ “strictest-ever” asylum policy, including tighter border controls and possible opt-outs from European Union asylum rules. However, internal tensions grew over how and when to implement key provisions.
On May 26, Wilders unveiled a 10-point immigration plan that called for halting asylum applications, deporting Syrian refugees, and deploying military units to guard the border. When coalition partners declined to endorse the proposals during a 15-minute crisis meeting on June 3, Wilders announced his party’s withdrawal from the government.
Prime Minister Schoof called the move irresponsible, noting the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic instability across Europe. VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz echoed the criticism, accusing Wilders of prioritizing political gain over national stability. Caroline van der Plas, head of the BBB, said Wilders “single-handedly pulled the plug,” while NSC’s Nicolien van Vroonhoven described the outcome as “incomprehensible.”
The coalition’s exit leaves it with just 51 of 150 seats in parliament, far short of the majority needed to govern. As a result, the government is limited to non-controversial decisions during its caretaker phase, potentially complicating preparations for the NATO summit scheduled for June 24–25 in The Hague. Defense spending and digital infrastructure investments are expected to be key agenda items at the summit.
Opposition leader Frans Timmermans of the Labour-Green alliance called for prompt elections, stating that “the country needs a stable government.” Recent polls show PVV support declining to around 20%, closely matched by the Labour-Green alliance, indicating a tight race ahead.
Migration has long been a contentious issue in Dutch politics, especially since the 2015 refugee crisis. Asylum applications in the Netherlands rose to 46,000 in 2024, straining existing capacity. Wilders, known for his hardline anti-Islam views and a 2016 conviction for discrimination, remains a polarizing figure. Analysts, including Chatham House’s Armida van Rij, suggest the collapse may be part of a political strategy to rebuild support ahead of elections.
The current situation reflects enduring divisions in Dutch politics and raises questions about the stability of future coalition governments. With elections approaching and international responsibilities looming, the Netherlands enters a delicate period that may shape its domestic and foreign policy trajectory for years to come.
Netherlands = Green
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