### Dutch Government Coalition Collapses After Immigration Dispute

The Dutch government coalition has unexpectedly crumbled after just under a year in power, following the withdrawal of Geert Wilders' far-right Freedom Party (PVV). The collapse came on the heels of a heated dispute over immigration policies that could now lead to early elections.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof attempted a last-minute plea to coalition leaders, but the meeting ended abruptly when Wilders exited within mere minutes. Wilders had demanded 10 additional measures on asylum policies, including a freeze on new asylum applications and limitations on family reunification, which sparked the conflict. "No signature for our asylum plans. PVV leaves the coalition," Wilders announced on X, referring to the breakdown.

Political leaders reacted with shock and outrage, noting that many of Wilders' demands paralleled existing policies within the coalition agreement. These additional measures had been previously dismissed due to legal issues. Wilders' decision resulted in the dissolution of a fragile coalition that had come together in July 2024 after protracted negotiations following the prior elections.

The PVV was the largest party in the coalition, which also included the conservative-liberal VVD, the Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract. VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz criticized Wilders for creating the crisis, calling it "super irresponsible," and deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer from the BBB accused Wilders of "betraying the Netherlands."

In contrast, opposition leaders welcomed the collapse. Jimmy Dijk of the Socialist Party declared that the country had been "liberated from a political hostage situation," describing the coalition as "four right-wing quarrelsome parties that achieved nothing."

Economists and Dutch media have downplayed the immediate economic impact, as the government had not implemented substantial plans during its brief tenure. Sandra Phlippen, chief economist at ABN AMRO bank, suggested minimal economic repercussions, given the government's inactivity. Dutch newspaper NRC criticized the cabinet for being "destroyed by amateurism and incompetence."

Analysts suggest Wilders may be gambling on increased voter support by emphasizing asylum issues in the anticipated snap elections. However, as Wilders' party was previously responsible for asylum and immigration, it remains uncertain if this strategy will succeed.

Ministers are set to convene for an emergency meeting, and Prime Minister Schoof is expected to tender the cabinet's resignation to King Willem-Alexander. Dutch media predicts new elections could be held in the autumn. Schoof might also consider leading a minority government, though this would require complex alliances with the liberal left-wing opposition. Frans Timmermans of the Labour-Green alliance has already called for fresh elections.

With a NATO summit scheduled to take place in the Hague later this month, Schoof's ministers are likely to continue in a caretaker capacity until a new election date is confirmed.