Dutch Politics Shattered as Far Right Abandons Coalition Over Migration

The Netherlands is once again plunged into political uncertainty after Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), abruptly pulled out of the ruling coalition, collapsing the most right-leaning government in Dutch history. The decision—rooted in a disagreement over asylum policy—has left the nation’s political system in disarray and triggered calls for fresh elections, less than a year after the coalition took power.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Wilders declared, “I signed up for the strictest asylum policy, not for the downfall of the Netherlands… our responsibility for this cabinet therefore ends here.” His exit strips the government of its majority in the 150-seat parliament, leaving Prime Minister Dick Schoof with just 51 seats and no path forward but to serve in a caretaker capacity.

The “Captain of Dutch Nationalism,” as some analysts dub Wilders, had demanded drastic new asylum measures—ranging from halting refugee applications to shutting down asylum centers. Yet, despite his own party controlling the asylum and migration ministry, many of the demands were deemed legally unviable by coalition partners. The stalemate escalated into a dramatic walkout on Tuesday morning when a final negotiation session lasted just one minute before Wilders exited.

Prime Minister Schoof, who immediately submitted his resignation to King Willem-Alexander, condemned the move as “unnecessary and irresponsible.” Analysts agree that the government’s collapse is less about migration and more about political maneuvering. According to Armida van Rij of Chatham House, Wilders may have deliberately triggered the crisis to regain momentum amid slipping poll numbers.

Reactions from former coalition partners were swift and scathing. Dilan Yesilgoz of the center-right VVD called the move “super irresponsible,” while deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer accused Wilders of betraying the Netherlands. “This wasn’t about asylum at all,” Keijzer said, suggesting the PVV leader’s ambitions to become prime minister are overtaking national interest.

Polls indicate that while the PVV remains the largest party by a narrow margin, center-right and center-left factions are gaining strength. Dutch politics, built on coalition building due to its fragmented multi-party system, now faces the challenge of forming a viable majority without a stable lead.

With a NATO summit scheduled in The Hague later this month, Schoof’s administration is expected to stay on in a caretaker role until new elections are organized—likely in the fall. But Wilders’ aggressive tactics may make future coalition-building even more difficult, as former partners and rivals alike grow wary of his unpredictable strategy.

Observers note that the far-right leader’s gamble could backfire. Having overseen the asylum portfolio for nearly a year without major reforms, Wilders’ decision to topple the government over the same issue could be seen as political theater rather than principled resistance. Whether Dutch voters reward him or turn toward more centrist options remains to be seen.