**Geert Wilders' Exit Throws Dutch Government into Chaos**

In a dramatic turn of events, Geert Wilders announced on Tuesday morning that his Party for Freedom (PVV) has withdrawn from the coalition government in the Netherlands, triggering a political crisis. The move came after a contentious dispute over the government’s stance on asylum policies.

"PVV is leaving the coalition," Wilders declared on social media platform X, citing the coalition’s refusal to endorse his party’s stringent ten-point plan on asylum as the reason for the withdrawal. His plan included severe measures such as closing the borders to asylum-seekers, a proposal that faced strong resistance from his coalition partners.

The coalition, a diverse mix comprising the far-right PVV, the Farmer-Citizens Movement (BBB), the centrist New Social Contract (NSC), and the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), convened for emergency talks on Tuesday morning. The talks, however, ended without an agreement, as both Wilders and his partners anticipated.

Following the collapse of the coalition, Wilders informed Prime Minister Dick Schoof that PVV ministers would be stepping down. "I signed up for the strictest asylum policy, not the downfall of The Netherlands," Wilders explained.

Reactions from leaders of the other coalition parties were swift and critical. Caroline van der Plas, president of BBB, labeled Wilders' decision as "irresponsible," fearing it could hand the country over to left-wing parties. Nicolien van Vroonhoven of NSC expressed bewilderment at Wilders' abrupt announcement, calling the move "incomprehensible." VVD President Dilan Yeşilgöz accused Wilders of prioritizing his own interests over those of the nation.

The PVV-led government, which has been in power for less than a year following a surprising election victory in November 2023, has faced numerous internal conflicts. Wilders had frequently clashed with Prime Minister Schoof over issues including Dutch support for Ukraine and EU-Israel relations.

Political analysts and leaders from other parties, such as Rob Jetten of the liberal D66 party, suggest that the government’s instability made this outcome inevitable. Jetten criticized the coalition for its lack of decisive action and frequent internal disputes, stating that the coalition had been "taken hostage" by Wilders.

With the government teetering on the brink, a new election seems imminent. The impending collapse comes just weeks before a critical NATO summit in The Hague. Some government parties, including BBB and NSC, who achieved significant victories in the last election, have seen a sharp decline in the polls. Meanwhile, Wilders' PVV, although still leading narrowly, has also experienced a drop in support.

Public sentiment appears to be shifting, with the Labour and Green Left alliance and the liberal VVD party gaining ground. Frans Timmermans, leader of the Labour and Green Left alliance, has already called for new elections and ruled out supporting any remaining coalition parties in their current form.

The decision on the future steps will be determined in meetings held this Tuesday, with the expectation that Prime Minister Schoof will tender the resignation of his cabinet, marking a turbulent chapter in Dutch politics.