Dutch Government Collapses After Far-Right Wilders Quits Coalition Over Asylum Policy

The Dutch government collapsed less than a year after its formation due to far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrawing his Freedom Party (PVV) from the ruling coalition over disputes about asylum and immigration policies. Wilders demanded a strict 10-point plan to curb asylum claims, including border closures and deportations, which other coalition members refused to endorse, citing conflicts with EU and human rights laws. Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who led the fragile four-party coalition, resigned shortly after Wilders' exit, calling the collapse unnecessary and irresponsible amidst significant national and international challenges. The coalition, composed of PVV, the centrist New Social Contract, the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement, and the liberal-conservative VVD, was historically notable as the first involving the far-right PVV but struggled with internal divisions throughout its brief tenure. Wilders aims to expand his party's influence in upcoming snap elections expected this autumn, while opposition leaders and coalition partners accuse him of sabotaging the government. The political turmoil comes just weeks before the Netherlands hosts a NATO summit, adding to the country's uncertainty.