Dutch far-right party exits government over migration demands
The Dutch coalition government collapsed on Tuesday after right-wing populist Geert Wilders withdrew his party in a dispute over migration policy, likely paving the way for new elections in the small EU nation.
The far-right firebrand threatened on Sunday to pull out his anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) - the strongest force in parliament - unless the four-party coalition agreed to his demands for a tough stance on asylum seekers.
His party's 10-point plan included measures such as the closure of Dutch borders to asylum seekers, the closure of asylum seeker reception centres and an end to family reunification for recognized refugees.
"No sign-off for our asylum plans, no adjustment of the coalition agreement. The PVV is leaving the coalition," Wilders wrote on X after failed consultations with the three other parties on Monday evening.
The future of the government hangs in the balance following the PVV's withdrawal, with snap elections considered to be likely.
The PVV, who emerged as the strongest force from parliamentary elections in November 2023, has called for the military to be deployed to protect the country's borders in case they are not shut to asylum seekers.
Wilders also called for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees to be sent back to their home country and for asylum facilities to be closed. Offenders with dual citizenship should be deported and lose Dutch nationality.
Following their surprise win in the parliamentary elections, the PVV became part of a coalition government for the first time, striking a deal with the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) and the populist Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB).
But the centre-right coalition was considered fragile from the outset, with the NSC in particular harbouring serious doubts as to whether Wilders' PVV would respect the constitution.
The NSC and VVD have accused PVV Asylum Minister Marjolein Faber of incompetence.
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