Netherlands: Geert Wilders Withdraws From Coalition Over Asylum Policies

The leader of the far-right in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, has decided to withdraw his party from the governing coalition due to disagreements over immigration policy, according to Dutch network NOS. Yesterday, Wilders threatened that if his proposals for stricter asylum policies were not supported, his Party for Freedom (PVV) would leave the coalition. The PVV is the largest party in the Dutch parliament, and its departure could lead to the collapse of the government and potentially trigger new elections. ‘The situation is not good,’ Wilders stated after emergency talks described as ‘unpleasant.’ Leaders of the four coalition parties were expected to reconvene discussions this morning. In late May, Wilders had warned that his patience was at its limit and threatened to bring down the coalition unless his migration restriction plan was implemented within weeks. His plan includes closing borders to asylum seekers, tightening border controls, and deporting dual citizens who commit crimes. Analysts have criticized the PVV’s proposals as irresponsible or illegal, suggesting Wilders aims to create a crisis to topple the government. Despite recent polls showing a slight decline in popularity, the PVV remains among the top three preferred parties alongside the liberal VVD and the leftist Workers/Greens.