Dutch coalition cabinet collapses with far-right party exit
The Dutch government led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof has collapsed after a far-right party left the coalition over differences in refugee policy.
The Party for Freedom, or PVV, led by Geert Wilders, was part of the four-party coalition launched in July last year.
The party had declared it would withdraw from the coalition unless its partner parties agree to its 10 proposals for stricter immigration controls. They include closing borders to asylum seekers and calling on the military to protect the borders.
PVV left the coalition on Tuesday because the three parties failed to agree to its proposals. Prime Minister Schoof handed his Cabinet's resignations to King Willem-Alexander later in the day.
A snap election is now likely unless a new coalition government can be formed.
Schoof will continue to serve as prime minister until a new government is established. He is expected to host a NATO summit later this month.
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