Dutch Government Collapses After PVV Withdrawal Over Asylum Policy Dispute
Geert Wilders quits coalition over asylum policy, toppling Schoof’s cabinet. VVD, NSC, and BBB remain as caretakers ahead of likely autumn 2025 elections amid rising political tensions.
The Dutch government has fallen after the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, decided to leave the ruling coalition. Prime Minister Dick Schoof offered his resignation soon after, and the country is now heading toward early elections, expected later in 2025.
How the Schoof Government Was Formed
After the general election in November 2023, the PVV became the largest party in the Dutch parliament, winning 37 of the 150 seats. Months of negotiations followed, and in July 2024, a coalition government was formed with the PVV, the centre-right VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy), the centrist NSC (New Social Contract), and the agrarian BBB (Farmer-Citizen Movement).
To bridge differences between the parties, they chose a neutral figure—Dick Schoof, a former top civil servant—as Prime Minister.
What Caused the Government to Collapse?
On June 3, 2025, Geert Wilders announced his party was leaving the coalition. He was frustrated that his strict asylum plans were not being accepted by the other coalition partners. His proposals included temporarily stopping asylum applications, banning family reunifications, and deporting refugees with residency permits if they committed serious crimes.
These measures would likely break European Union laws, and the other parties were unwilling to support them. Wilders claimed: “There is no agreement on our asylum plans. The PVV is leaving the coalition.” He argued that he had promised voters the toughest asylum rules in Dutch history and couldn't deliver under the current coalition.
Strong Criticism From Other Coalition Leaders
Leaders of the other coalition parties were angry and disappointed. Dilan Yesilgöz of the VVD said Wilders was choosing his own interests over the country’s: “He is thinking only of himself.” Caroline van der Plas from the BBB called his move “reckless and irresponsible” and warned it might lead to a left-leaning government in the next elections.
Nicolien van Vroonhoven, leader of the NSC, said they had tried to offer solutions to meet Wilders halfway, but he didn’t want to compromise.
Prime Minister Resigns
After the PVV left, Prime Minister Schoof submitted his resignation to King Willem-Alexander. He called the collapse of the cabinet “unnecessary and irresponsible,” especially with major challenges ahead, such as the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
The other ministers from VVD, NSC, and BBB will continue working as a temporary or “caretaker” government until the next elections are held, likely in the fall.
What Happens Next?
This crisis shows just how difficult it is to form a stable government when the parties involved disagree on major issues like immigration. Wilders’ firm stance on asylum seekers caused growing tension, and in the end, he decided he couldn’t continue in the coalition.
Since the 2023 election, support for the PVV has dropped. Polls now show the party tied at around 20% with the Labour/Green alliance. Some analysts think Wilders left the coalition early to boost his popularity ahead of new elections.
As the Netherlands prepares to vote again, it’s unclear how voters will respond. The next election will likely reshape the political landscape and determine who will lead the next Dutch government.