Dutch Party For Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders has announced his party’s withdrawal from the governing coalition, citing disagreement over migration policy. The decision comes weeks before the Netherlands is set to host a NATO summit and could mark the end of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s 11-month-old government.
On Tuesday, Geert Wilders confirmed via social media platform X that the PVV will leave the coalition government, stating, “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition.” Wilders explained his decision by saying, “I signed up for the toughest asylum policy and not the downfall of the Netherlands.”
The decision was met with criticism from coalition partners. Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), said she was “shocked” and described the move as “super-irresponsible.” Caroline van der Plas, leader of the Farmers Citizens Movement (BBB), also expressed disappointment, stating, “He is not putting the Netherlands first, he is putting Geert Wilders first.”
The PVV has been in coalition with the VVD, BBB, and the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) party since July of last year. Last Monday, Wilders introduced a 10-point plan aimed at drastically reducing migration and warned that the PVV would leave the government if tougher policies were not implemented. The plan included a complete halt to asylum, a temporary suspension of family reunification for asylum seekers with refugee status, the return of all Syrians with asylum claims or temporary visas, and the closure of asylum centres.
Opposition parties and activists have called for the opening of new asylum centres to alleviate overcrowding and improve conditions for asylum seekers.
In the November 2023 national election, the PVV became the largest party in the Dutch parliament, winning 37 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives. Despite this, Wilders did not become prime minister due to resistance from other major parties.
The coalition government has faced several challenges, including crisis talks in November following the resignation of an NSC minister amid allegations of racist comments by cabinet members.
