Summary
The Dutch government collapsed after Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Freedom Party, withdrew his support from the coalition. Prime Minister Dick Schoof resigned and plans to offer his cabinet's resignation to King Willem-Alexander. Schoof's ministers are expected to stay in temporary roles until a new election is scheduled.
Key Facts
- Geert Wilders leads the far-right, anti-immigration Freedom Party (PVV).
- Wilders' withdrawal ended a governing coalition formed less than a year ago.
- Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced his resignation following Wilders' decision.
- Schoof and his ministers are expected to serve in caretaker roles until new elections.
- Wilders demanded 10 extra asylum measures, which were not agreed upon by the coalition.
- The coalition included the Freedom Party, conservative-liberal VVD, Farmers' Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract.
- Wilders aims to make his party bigger in the upcoming elections, focusing on the asylum issue.
- The current government had not made significant concrete plans, so immediate economic impacts are minimal.
