Prime Minister Dick Schoof marks a significant turning point in the Netherlands' political landscape, following the abrupt withdrawal of Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom from the governing coalition. This decision stemmed from deep-seated disagreements regarding immigration policies, particularly concerning asylum measures that Wilders advocated for, including a controversial freeze on new applications . The collapse of the government highlights the fragility of coalition politics in contemporary Europe, where divergent views on migration have become increasingly polarizing.
Willem-Alexander.
In televised remarks following an emergency cabinet meeting, Schoof said Wilders' decision to withdraw the support of his PVV party was "irresponsible and unnecessary".
"As far as I'm concerned, this shouldn't have happened," he added.
The governing coalition was in place for less than one year.
The row which led to its collapse came after Wilders pushed for 10 additional asylum measures, including a freeze on applications, halting the construction of reception centres and limiting family reunification.
Schoof had made a last-minute appeal to coalition party leaders on Tuesday morning, but the meeting lasted just one minute before Wilders walked out, ending the coalition.
Dick Schoof confirmed he was stepping down on Tuesday and offered the resignation of the cabinet to King Willem-Alexander.
In televised remarks following an emergency cabinet meeting, Schoof said Wilders' decision to withdraw the support of his PVV party was "irresponsible and unnecessary".
"As far as I'm concerned, this shouldn't have happened," he added.
The governing coalition was in place for less than one year.
The row which led to its collapse came after Wilders pushed for 10 additional asylum measures, including a freeze on applications, halting the construction of reception centres and limiting family reunification.
Schoof had made a last-minute appeal to coalition party leaders on Tuesday morning, but the meeting lasted just one minute before Wilders walked out, ending the coalition.
The far-right leader has often been called the “Dutch Trump” for his anti-immigrant views and instantly recognisable bouffant hairstyle.
His ambitions to lead his country were frustrated after his election win, as his coalition partners blocked his premiership bid, settling instead on Schoof as a compromise candidate.
The leaders of the four coalition partners agreed not to take up cabinet positions, instead running their parties as parliamentary chiefs.
In response to this political upheaval, Schoof's cabinet is expected to offer its resignation to King Willem-Alexander. As ministers from the PVV exited their positions, the remaining members will function as a caretaker government until new elections are anticipated later this year . This situation underscores not only the challenges faced by governments grappling with immigration issues but also reflects broader trends in European politics where populist parties continue to exert considerable influence over policy-making and governance.
Read more
Wells Fargo announced that the Federal Reserve lifted the asset growth limits from its 2018 consent order Samsung teases premium foldable phone with enhanced camera and AISarah H
Also on site :