Dutch PM Dick Schoof to Lead Caretaker Government After Four-Party Coalition Collapse Until New Elections Are Held
The Hague, Netherlands | June 3, 2025 — The ruling four-party coalition government in the Netherlands has collapsed. The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, withdrew from the government over disputes concerning immigration policy. As a result, Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced that he and his ministers will now serve as a caretaker government until new elections are held.
Why Did the Coalition Collapse?
According to the Prime Minister, ministers from Wilders’ PVV party are submitting their resignations to the Dutch monarch. This move comes just three weeks before the Netherlands is set to host the NATO leaders’ summit.
Wilders stated,
“I signed up for the strictest asylum policy — not to destroy the Netherlands,”
accusing the government of failing to make effective progress on immigration reform and saying he has lost confidence in its direction.
When Will the New Election Take Place?
An election date has not yet been set. It is widely believed that no vote will take place before the upcoming autumn.
Criticism of Schoof and Calls for Responsibility
Right-wing VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz said Prime Minister Schoof had reminded coalition partners of the ongoing international crises, the war situation in Europe, and the looming risk of economic recession. Despite this, Wilders chose to exit the coalition.
Yeşilgöz said,
“I’m shocked. This was deeply irresponsible.”
Wilders’ 10-Point Pressure Plan
Wilders had recently applied pressure on coalition partners to adopt a 10-point immigration plan, which included proposals such as deploying the military, closing the borders, and rejecting all forms of asylum. He warned he would leave the coalition if his demands were not met.
European Populism and International Reaction
This political shake-up comes amid a broader nationalist surge across Europe—most notably seen in Poland with the far-right victory of Karol Nawrocki, supported by pro-Trump forces.
D66 party leader Rob Jetten strongly criticized the situation, saying:
“You know if you join a coalition with Wilders… it won’t end well.”
Other Political Reactions
-
Caroline van der Plas (Farmer-Citizen Movement):
“He is prioritizing Geert Wilders, not the Netherlands.”
-
Nicolien van Vroonhoven (New Social Contract party):
“A minority government can function without Wilders.”
-
Frans Timmermans (Opposition Leader):
“I will not support any minority government. Call for elections now.”
