Far-right leader Geert Wilders quits as Dutch government plunged into chaos
Right-wing figure Geert Wilders has quit his role in the Dutch government, plunging the ruling coalition into a state of uncertainty.
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The move was promoted by a row over immigration and will now likely trigger snap elections. Mr Wilders said his party no longer supports the coalition's failure to crack down on asylum applications.
Mr Wilders wrote on X, referring to his Freedom Party: "No signature for our asylum plans. PVV leaves the coalition."
He had wanted his coalition partners to immediately commit to the PVV’s “ten-point plan” on asylum.
Mr Wilders told reporters on Tuesday that “the PVV promised voters the strictest asylum policy ever,” which included a proposal to “close the borders to asylum-seekers".
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Freedom party was the biggest in the Dutch government's four-party coalition, which was formed less than a year ago.
Other members, which remain in the coalition, include the conservative-liberal VVD, the Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB) and the centrist New Social Contract.
His coalition partners have blasted Mr Wilders’ as it plunged the government into uncertainty.
BBB President Caroline van der Plas wrote on X: “Whoever stops now, is offering The Netherlands to the Left on a silver platter.”
VVD President Dilan Yeşilgöz said the right-winger was “again putting his own interest above the interest of the country. By running away. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty.”
Mr Wilders attempts to become prime minister were foiled after Dick Schoof, a former spy chief who never held elected office, took the role.
Sometimes referred to as "Dutch Trump", the 61-year-old made waves in Europe with a shock 2023 election win.
Under the Dutch system, no one party is able to win enough of the 150 seats to govern on its own.
It mean he was forced to form a coalition with the three other parties.
Mr Wilders has been a vocal critic of the European Union, calling for its own version of Brexit - Nexit.
He has also spoke of banning Islam in the Netherlands, though said he would put that on hold.