Dutch VVD Rules Out Coalition with Far-Right Wilders Ahead October Elections

Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of the Netherlands' biggest centre-right party VVD, has firmly ruled out forming another coalition government with Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom party (PVV) following the collapse of their previous four-party coalition. Yeşilgöz described Wilders as an "unbelievably untrustworthy partner" and a "quitter" who prioritizes his own interests over the country’s well-being, criticizing him for withdrawing support amid immigration and asylum policy disagreements. Despite Wilders' PVV winning the 2023 elections, all major political parties have now rejected working with him, making his return to power unlikely even if his party finishes first in the upcoming October elections. Yeşilgöz emphasized that the Netherlands needs "mature leadership" and a "stable right-wing liberal Cabinet" without the PVV, declaring the political experiment with Wilders as failed. This decision follows consultations with VVD members, none of whom supported giving Wilders another chance. Polling shows the PVV, VVD, and the Green-Labour alliance are currently neck and neck ahead of the elections, but VVD’s stance significantly diminishes Wilders’ coalition prospects.