Dutch Government Collapses as Far-Right PVV Quits Coalition Over Asylum Dispute

The Dutch governing coalition collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his Party for Freedom (PVV) over a failure to adopt his stringent asylum policy demands, which include closing borders to asylum seekers, halting family reunifications, and deporting refugees who commit serious crimes. Wilders, whose party won the 2023 election and leads in opinion polls, insisted on formal inclusion of his 10-point plan despite coalition partners citing legal and EU law constraints. His exit surprised and angered coalition partners from VVD, NSC, and BBB parties, who accused him of prioritizing ego and self-interest over government stability. The collapse of the fragile four-party coalition, just weeks before a critical NATO summit in The Hague, raises concerns about political uncertainty and delays in decisions on defense spending. The PVV leader’s move follows months of frustration over perceived government inaction on migration, and he appears confident new elections will increase his party’s share of votes. The situation leaves the Netherlands with a caretaker government amid heightened European geopolitical tensions.