The Dutch government has officially collapsed following the withdrawal of Geert Wilders and his far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) from the ruling coalition, primarily over contentious immigration and asylum policy discussions.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced his resignation alongside that of his cabinet during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that the coalition could no longer sustain its governance due to insufficient support.

This coalition, which was formed less than a year ago, has been characterized by ongoing tensions and disagreements among its members.

The breakdown was precipitated by Wilders’ demands for stricter asylum measures, including halting asylum applications, constructing no new reception centers, and limiting family reunification for migrants.

Prior to his exit, Wilders had presented a ten-point asylum plan aimed at significantly reducing immigration, proposing measures such as deploying military personnel to patrol borders and returning Syrian refugees to their home country.

These proposals were met with resistance from the other coalition parties—liberal-conservative VVD, centrist New Social Contract (NSC), and the Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB)—which argued that many were impractical and legally questionable under EU regulations.

Schoof publicly condemned Wilders' actions as 'irresponsible' and 'unnecessary,' voicing disappointment following an emergency cabinet meeting that lasted a mere minute before Wilders decided to leave.

Political leaders from the coalition expressed shock and anger over Wilders' decision, emphasizing that several of his proposed measures echoed existing policies within the coalition agreement.

Wilders has indicated his intent to leverage this governmental crisis to strengthen his party's position in the upcoming elections, aiming to reclaim the prime ministership.

Despite being the largest party in parliament, recent opinion polls suggest a decline in support for the PVV, reflecting a challenging political landscape as migration and living costs remain pressing concerns for Dutch voters.

Schoof's cabinet will function in a caretaker capacity until new elections are arranged, with indications suggesting a potential election timeframe in the fall of 2024. This interim government will face the added complexity of an upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, where issues of defense spending in light of current international conflicts are expected to be on the agenda.

The coalition between the PVV and its three partners took almost six months to establish after the 2023 elections and has been marked by internal strife.

Critics of Wilders within the coalition have accused him of prioritizing personal ambition over national stability, highlighting the precarious nature of future alliances within the Dutch political framework.

The political climate is further complicated as other coalition parties consider their governance options; while theoretically possible to continue as a minority government without the PVV, there is strong consensus that elections must occur to restore clarity and stability to the Dutch government.

In light of Wilders' recent withdrawal, opposition leaders have called for immediate elections, emphasizing the need for a stable governmental structure amidst growing political uncertainty.