Overview and Background

The ruling coalition government in the Netherlands has collapsed following the withdrawal of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. Wilders announced his party's exit via social media on June 3, 2025, citing unresolved disputes over migration policy, particularly concerning a proposed crackdown on asylum seekers. This political crisis threatens the stability of Prime Minister Dick Schoof's government, which had been in power for 11 months.

Wilders' party had won a surprising electoral victory in November 2023, positioning itself as the strongest party in parliament. However, he expressed frustration with the slow implementation of his immigration plans, which he described as the "strictest-ever immigration policy." The government crisis arises just weeks before the Netherlands is set to host a NATO summit in The Hague.

Key Findings

• Geert Wilders announced his party's withdrawal from the coalition over stalled immigration policies.
• The government coalition included four parties, with the PVV as the dominant force.
• Wilders' immigration proposals included closing borders to asylum seekers and ending family reunifications.
• The withdrawal raises the possibility of snap elections in the Netherlands.
• The political crisis occurs amid a rise of far-right parties across Europe.

“No signature for our asylum plans... PVV leaves the coalition,” said Wilders on X, formerly Twitter.

In recent weeks, Wilders had threatened to leave the coalition if his demands for stricter immigration controls were not met. His proposed 10-point plan includes measures such as deploying the military to secure borders and repatriating Syrian refugees. Political analysts view these demands as potentially unworkable or illegal, suggesting that Wilders may have precipitated the crisis deliberately.

The coalition was already seen as unstable, with ongoing tensions among its members. Experts predict that this political turmoil may lead to a reevaluation of party alliances and strategies ahead of potential elections.