Dutch Government Collapses Over Immigration Policy Disputes

On June 3, 2025, the Dutch government, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, collapsed following the withdrawal of the Party for Freedom (PVV) from the ruling coalition. PVV leader Geert Wilders pulled his party's ministers from the administration due to disagreements over proposed asylum policy reforms. The coalition, which had been in power for 11 months, was composed of the PVV, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB). Wilders' departure has led to the establishment of a caretaker government with limited powers until new elections are held, expected after the summer. Despite the political turmoil, the Netherlands plans to proceed with the upcoming NATO summit on June 24 in The Hague and maintain its support for Ukraine, including military aid.

The Schoof cabinet was formed on July 2, 2024, following the 2023 Dutch general election. This coalition marked the first time the PVV, NSC, and BBB held seats in government. The coalition agreement prioritized implementing the "strictest" asylum policy, reflecting the PVV's hardline stance on immigration.

Tensions within the coalition emerged over proposed asylum policy reforms. In October 2024, the cabinet agreed on the Asylum Emergency Measures Act, aiming to tighten asylum procedures by eliminating permanent residence permits and reducing the validity of temporary permits from five to three years. However, in February 2025, the Council of State recommended against proceeding with the Act, citing concerns over its legal viability and potential to increase the burden on immigration authorities and courts.

Wilders, expressing frustration over the slow progress on immigration restrictions, threatened to quit the coalition unless the controversial asylum law changes were adopted. On June 3, 2025, he followed through on this threat, leading to the government's collapse.

Following the collapse, Prime Minister Schoof expressed a desire to maintain control over critical policy areas, especially national and international security—including support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia—and economic issues like the global trade war stirred by U.S. President Donald Trump's second term. However, some policy actions will be postponed until a new coalition is formed.

Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp confirmed that, despite the political turmoil, the upcoming NATO summit on June 24 will proceed as planned in The Hague, and that the country's support for Ukraine, including military aid such as F-16 fighter jets, remains steadfast.

The collapse has triggered calls from both opposition parties and Wilders himself for new elections, which are expected after the summer due to parliamentary recess and the required campaigning period.

The government's collapse underscores the deep divisions within Dutch society regarding immigration policy. The PVV's hardline stance reflects a segment of the population's concerns over asylum and integration, while other parties advocate for more balanced approaches. This polarization may influence public discourse and voter behavior in the upcoming elections.

This is not the first time the Dutch government has collapsed over immigration issues. In July 2023, Prime Minister Mark Rutte's coalition fell apart due to disputes over migration policy, leading to the 2023 general election. The recurrence of such collapses highlights the persistent challenges in forming stable governments amid contentious policy debates.

The collapse of the Dutch government underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing immigration policy within coalition governments and highlights the potential for continued political instability in the Netherlands.