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Geert Wilders forces collapse of Dutch government, triggering calls for snap elections
Far-right populist leader Geert Wilders has ignited a political crisis in the Netherlands, forcing the collapse of the Schoof government and prompting urgent calls for snap elections. His resignation on Tuesday, as head of the Dutch government’s largest political party, has sent shockwaves through European political circles.
Wilders, known for his controversial rhetoric and policies, has faced repeated criticism for his xenophobic statements, particularly against the Moroccan immigrant community. In 2016, he was convicted of discrimination during a rally, a decision that has not diminished his influence. Political analysts describe him as a NATO skeptic and an anti-migration advocate, with his party, the Party for Freedom (PVV), openly opposing Islamic institutions.
The rise of the far-right in the Netherlands has been notable over the past decade, culminating in the PVV winning the most seats in the 2023 parliamentary elections. This success led to protracted coalition negotiations, ultimately resulting in a new government in July 2024, led by civil servant Dick Schoof. Other parties, wary of Wilders’s leadership, relegated him to the political fringes.
Tense cohabitation at the top
The dynamic between Wilders and Schoof was fraught with tension from the outset. Despite being part of the government, Wilders continually criticized its policies, particularly regarding support for Ukraine. He issued an ultimatum to the coalition: accept his proposals on asylum migration or face his resignation.
“Voters signed up for the toughest asylum policy and not the downfall of the Netherlands,” he asserted, unveiling a 10-point plan aimed at tightening asylum regulations. His proposals included military patrols at borders, rejecting all asylum seekers, suspending family reunification for refugees, and deporting temporary visa holders from Syria.
On Tuesday morning, following a meeting with coalition leaders, Wilders announced his resignation and his party's withdrawal from the coalition. His speech at The Hague and subsequent social media announcements highlighted his reasons for leaving, contributing to instability within the four-party coalition.
An ‘unnecessary and irresponsible decision’
The fallout from Wilders’s resignation was swift, drawing condemnation from other coalition leaders. Dilan Yesilogoz, head of the Freedom and Democracy Party, criticized Wilders for prioritizing his interests over national stability. Schoof echoed these sentiments, labeling the decision as “unnecessary and irresponsible.” He acknowledged that with only 51 out of 150 seats, the coalition could no longer govern effectively.
Schoof formally presented the resignation of the PVV ministers to King Willem-Alexander, admitting that the government’s position had become untenable. However, he indicated that the government would remain in place until elections could be arranged.
In the wake of Wilders's resignation, the Netherlands is poised to call snap elections, with polls suggesting potential gains for centrist parties and the Labor-Green alliance. Despite predictions of a decline in support for the PVV, it is still expected to secure the highest number of seats, ushering in a period of significant political uncertainty for the nation.
