Dutch Prime Minister Resigns After Far-Right Coalition Collapse

The Dutch government collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his Party for Freedom (PVV) from the right-wing coalition, prompting Prime Minister Dick Schoof to resign. Wilders cited a lack of support from coalition partners for his stringent asylum and immigration policies, including border closures and refugee expulsions, as the reason for his departure. The remaining coalition parties—the conservative VVD, centrist NSC, and Farmer-Citizens Movement (BBB)—will continue in a caretaker capacity, but new elections are expected between September and November. The collapse comes amid rising hard-right sentiment in Europe and threatens to delay decisions on increased defense spending ahead of a NATO summit in The Hague. Coalition partners criticized Wilders' move as irresponsible during a time of war in Europe and economic challenges. The political uncertainty adds to concerns about the Netherlands' ability to address migration, housing shortages, and security issues effectively.