Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders quits coalition, likely leading to elections

President of the far-right Party for Freedom Geert Wilders delivers a speech during a meeting of Patriots for Europe, the European Parliament's largest far-right bloc, at a hotel in Madrid, Spain, on February 8, 2025. (Thomas COEX / AFP)
President of the far-right Party for Freedom Geert Wilders delivers a speech during a meeting of Patriots for Europe, the European Parliament's largest far-right bloc, at a hotel in Madrid, Spain, on February 8, 2025. (Thomas COEX / AFP)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders withdraws his party from the government in a row over immigration, bringing down a shaky coalition and likely ushering in snap elections.

Wilders has been frustrated with what he saw as the slow pace of introducing the “strictest-ever immigration policy,” agreed on with coalition partners after his shock election win in November 2023.

“No signature for our asylum plans… PVV leaves the coalition,” Wilders says on X, formerly Twitter.

The withdrawal opens up a period of political uncertainty in the European Union’s fifth-largest economy and major exporter, as far-right parties make gains across the continent.

The latest government crisis also comes just weeks before the Netherlands is due to host world leaders for a NATO summit.

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