Dutch politics is in a state of upheaval after Geert Wilders, a prominent far-right lawmaker, pulled his party’s ministers from the ruling coalition. This decision came on Tuesday amid a heated dispute over migration policies. As a result, the Netherlands will now operate under a caretaker government while preparations for new elections are underway.
The timing of this political crisis is particularly notable, as the country is set to host a NATO summit in just three weeks. Prime Minister Dick Schoof convened an emergency Cabinet meeting to address the situation and subsequently met with King Willem-Alexander to submit the resignations of Wilders’ ministers.
Schoof, who was chosen to lead the government by Wilders less than a year ago, expressed concern over the decision, calling it “unnecessary and irresponsible.” He emphasized that the country is facing significant challenges, both domestically and internationally, and that strong leadership is crucial during these times.
Wilders announced his decision to withdraw support for the coalition after a brief meeting of the four-party coalition. He cited the government’s failure to act on his demands for stricter migration controls as the primary reason for his departure. Wilders has been vocal about his desire for a tough asylum policy, which includes measures like using the military to secure borders and denying entry to all asylum seekers. He had previously warned that if his demands were not met, his party would exit the Cabinet.
Despite Wilders’ frustrations, coalition partners argue that they all agree on the need for stricter immigration policies. Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, described Wilders’ actions as “super-irresponsible.” The coalition, which has struggled with internal disagreements, is now left without Wilders, whose party remains popular in opinion polls.
The political fallout from this crisis could be significant. No date has been set for new elections, but they are unlikely to occur before the fall. Schoof’s administration is now one of the shortest in Dutch history, lasting just 11 months.
Coalition leaders are now contemplating their next steps, with some suggesting that a minority government is an option. However, opposition leaders, including Frans Timmermans, are calling for immediate elections, viewing Wilders’ departure as an opportunity to distance themselves from extreme politics.
As the political landscape shifts, the future of the Dutch government remains uncertain, with many watching closely to see how this will impact the upcoming NATO summit and the broader European political climate.