Wilders leaves the coalition: Ultimatum for refugee policy provides chaos!

Wilders leaves the coalition: Ultimatum for refugee policy provides chaos!

Geert Wilders, the chairman of the Dutch "Freedom Party" (PVV), announced the withdrawal of his party from the four-party coalition today. This happened via "X" (formerly Twitter), where he gives the immense differences in migration policy as the main reason. With 37 out of 88 government seats, the PVV was the strongest force in the coalition, which also included the parties VVD, NSC and BBB. Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who is independent, leads this coalition, which has now failed after almost eleven months without having solved major problems, such as in the rental price brake or nitrogen problem. Wilders had already indicated that the PVV would leave the coalition if the majority of its refugee plans were not accepted, and on Tuesday there was a final confirmation of the exit after publishing them.

Wilders' claims within the framework of his asylum policy are drastic. He demands the designation of all Syrian refugees within six months and demands that the limits close to all asylum seekers. He also wants the army to enforce these measures. Other points include a stop at the opening of new refugee centers and the suspension of all family reunification. Asylum seekers should only receive a maximum stay of two weeks. The Asylum Minister Marjolein Faber, provided by the PVV, had already presented plans that included a border closure and restrictions on family reunification, but these came across significant resistance within the coalition.

instability of the coalition

The coalition was characterized by instability from the start. The NSC was skeptical about the constitutional loyalty of the PVV, and there was increasingly criticism of Minister Faber, who was perceived as incompetent. These conflicts contributed to the escalation of the situation when Wilders presented a ten-point plan on asylum policy that millions of Dutch expected. However, the coalition partners were skeptical about his demands and the proposals, which were poorly criticized as crafted. The Raad van State also found that Faber's approaches were not enforceable. These tensions led to an ultimatum from Wilders, shortly before important coalition advice should take place.

political future

After the failed alliance, it is unclear how politically continues. A minority government without the PVV is theoretically possible, but is rejected by the largest opposition party. The likelihood of new elections is high because the PVV is on par with other parties in current surveys. On Wednesday, Premier Dick Schoof will have to comment on the situation in parliament, while the political situation of the Netherlands remains tense.