On June 3, 2023, Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right PVV party, announced that his party was leaving the Dutch governing coalition, a decision that is expected to dissolve the right-wing government and may lead to new elections. Wilders cited his coalition partners’ refusal to support his asylum migration policies as the catalyst for this move, stating, “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition.”
The resignation was communicated to Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who has yet to respond. This unexpected decision disrupts an already tenuous coalition, formed in July, that has struggled with consensus. The political landscape in the Netherlands, the fifth-largest economy in the euro zone, is now uncertain, and this situation may delay crucial discussions regarding an increase in defense spending to meet NATO targets. The nation will now operate under a caretaker government when it hosts NATO leaders later in June.
Wilders’ former coalition partners expressed shock and frustration. Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the conservative VVD party, criticized Wilders for not taking responsibility during a critical time in Europe, while Nicolien van Vroonhoven of the NSC deemed his actions “irresponsible.” Although the remaining parties could theoretically continue as a minority government, this is unlikely.
Wilders’ popularity has waned since joining the coalition, with recent polls showing his party at about 20%, on par with the Labour/Green coalition currently second in parliament. He had called for stringent measures against asylum-seekers, including the return of Syrian refugees and closure of asylum facilities. However, coalition partners did not accept his demands. Wilders, previously convicted of discrimination, had curtailed his aspirations for prime minister to secure the coalition.
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