Geert Wilders withdrew from the coalition on Tuesday, toppling the Netherlands’ far-right Freedom Party government within less than a year of its formation.Often called the “Dutch Trump,” Wilders is the leader of the largest party, PVV, known for his hardline anti-immigration stance.The coalition collapse stemmed from disagreements over immigration policy. Wilders grew increasingly frustrated with the slow adoption of tougher immigration measures by the Dutch government.Netherland’s Prime Minister Dick Schoof made a last-minute appeal to coalition party leaders on Tuesday morning, but the meeting reportedly lasted just one minute before Wilders walked out, effectively ending the coalition.Wilders had demanded 10 additional asylum-related measures, including a freeze on asylum applications, halting the construction of reception centres, and limiting family reunification.“No signature for our asylum plans… PVV leaves the coalition,” Wilders posted on X after pulling out.
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In late May, Wilders had called a surprise press conference, declaring that his “patience has now run out” with the Schoof government.He threatened to break the coalition unless his proposed 10-point plan to curb immigration, including border closures, enhanced security, and the deportation of dual nationals convicted of crimes, was implemented swiftly.The collapse comes just weeks before the Netherlands is set to host world leaders for a Nato summit in The Hague.Legal and political experts criticised Wilders’ proposed measures as either unworkable or unlawful. Some analysts have suggested that his withdrawal may have been a calculated move to bring down the government.Ministers are now preparing for an emergency meeting, where Prime Minister Schoof is expected to resign his cabinet to King Willem-Alexander. Dutch media reports suggest that new elections may be held in the autumn, according to the BBC.
