The coalition, which included the PVV, the Farmer-Citizens Movement (BBB), the centrist New Social Contract (NSC), and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), faced deep internal divisions over asylum policy. Wilders demanded full agreement on his party’s proposed “ten-point plan” to tighten asylum measures. When that didn’t happen, he pulled out. “No commitment to our asylum plans, no change in the agreement — we’re leaving the coalition,” Wilders posted on social media.

Speaking to reporters, he stated that the PVV had promised the Dutch people the toughest asylum policy in history, including closing the borders to asylum seekers. When it became clear the other parties wouldn’t commit, he said he had no choice but to withdraw his party’s support and informed the prime minister of his decision.

He emphasized that he joined the coalition to enforce strict migration policies, not to bring about governmental collapse.

The other coalition partners reacted with frustration and dismay. Leaders from the BBB and NSC criticized Wilders for acting rashly, calling his move “irresponsible” and “incomprehensible.” The VVD accused him of prioritizing personal or party interests over national stability, suggesting the PVV had already been delaying progress on agreed asylum reforms.

This government, the first to include the PVV, had only been in power for a few months following the PVV’s surprise victory in the November 2023 elections. Civil servant Dick Schoof was appointed prime minister as part of the coalition agreement. However, tensions had been building, with Wilders frequently clashing with government officials over foreign policy and other issues.

Commentators noted that the collapse seemed inevitable, given the constant internal conflicts and lack of meaningful progress. One political leader remarked that the coalition had been hampered by infighting and a lack of clear direction, suggesting the remaining parties were effectively being held hostage by Wilders.

The timing of the government’s fall is significant, as the Netherlands is set to host a major NATO summit in just a few weeks, where increased defense commitments are expected.

Ministers are now meeting to determine the next steps, with expectations that the prime minister will formally offer the cabinet’s resignation. A new election appears likely and could bring major changes to the Dutch political landscape. Though PVV still leads in the polls, its support has dropped since November, and some of its former coalition partners are polling at only 1 percent. In contrast, other opposition parties have seen a boost and are gaining ground.

One prominent opposition leader has already called for early elections and ruled out working with the current coalition parties, stating that a stable government isn’t possible under the current composition.