Dutch govt collapses as Wilders quits coalition

Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders withdrew his party from the government on Tuesday in a row over immigration, bringing down a shaky coalition and likely ushering in elections.

- Agence France-Presse

THE HAGUE: Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders withdrew his party from the government on Tuesday in a row over immigration, bringing down a shaky coalition and likely ushering in elections.

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

"No signature for our asylum plans... PVV leaves the coalition," said Wilders on X, formerly Twitter, referring to his far-right Freedom Party.

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.