What’s Happening with the Dutch Government? Cabinet in Crisis
Political chaos in The Hague raises concerns for Groningen’s economy, water safety, and universities, leaving Groningen leaders and businesses worried about delayed decisions.
On June 3, 2025, the Dutch government collapsed after Geert Wilders of the PVV (Party for Freedom) pulled out of the ruling coalition due to disagreements over stringent asylum reforms. Prime Minister Dick Schoof then resigned but continues as head of a caretaker cabinet, which, under Dutch tradition, can’t make major policy decisions.
NSC Walks Out Over Gaza Policy
In a second blow, on August 22, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned, along with all NSC ministers, due to disagreements over the government’s refusal to adopt tougher sanctions on Israel amid the Gaza crisis. With this exit, the caretaker government is now composed solely of the VVD and BBB, holding a mere 32 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives — a highly shaky majority.
Political Uncertainty Lingers
Caretaker Prime Minister Schoof continues to manage daily responsibilities and emergency tasks like defence, but the government is largely unable to proceed on major issues ahead of snap elections scheduled for October 29, 2025. Public sentiment reflects the instability: recent polling showed that 58% of the population felt things were not going well, and only 44% rated the cabinet with a passing mark, even before the collapse. Political fragmentation also deepened after VVD ruled out any future coalition with Wilders, calling him “unbelievably untrustworthy”.
Groningen Caught in the Crossfire
Groningen officials have voiced concern over the growing chaos in The Hague. King's Commissioner René Paas described the situation as “unique,” stressing the urgent need for a reliable cabinet to ensure governance continuity.
Roeland van der Schaaf, head of the Noorderzijlvest water board, expressed frustration at falling administrative momentum. While core responsibilities like dike maintenance remain unaffected, thanks to their autonomy, he warned that indecision in The Hague is already harming long-term planning for water safety and climate adaptation.
Businesses Seek Clarity
Local business leaders aren’t immune. Sieger Dijkstra of VNO-NCW MKB Noord criticised the national political vacuum, stating: “Businesses are hungry for clarity and solutions… If you have a majority and everyone really wants to take action, it could happen. But then it has to happen.” He noted high energy costs and stalled projects from the nitrogen crisis as pressing economic risks.
Institutions Feel the Pinch
Jouke de Vries, chair of the University of Groningen, stated that urgent decisions, like those affecting international student intake or budget cuts, are effectively blocked: “With a caretaker government, many issues are declared controversial. But you often can’t postpone these decisions anymore.” He stressed that this delay is harming key sectors in Groningen.
What’s happening in The Hague isn’t just political squabbling, it’s a governance breakdown with real repercussions in provinces like Groningen. As national uncertainty persists, institutions and businesses in the region are calling, loudly and clearly, for a stable, decisive government.