The Dutch government is in turmoil after far-right leader Geert Wilders announced his party, the Party for Freedom (PVV), would withdraw from the ruling coalition. This unexpected move, made on Tuesday, is likely to lead to new elections in the coming months. Wilders cited his coalition partners' refusal to support his stringent asylum policies as the reason for his departure. "No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition," he stated in a post on X.

Wilders informed Prime Minister Dick Schoof that all PVV ministers would resign from the government. Schoof has yet to respond to this significant political shift. The coalition, which has been fragile since its formation last July, is now left with only 51 out of 150 seats in parliament. This situation raises concerns about political stability in the Netherlands, the fifth-largest economy in the euro zone.

The collapse of the government could delay critical decisions, including a potential historic increase in defense spending to meet NATO targets. The Netherlands is set to host NATO leaders for a summit later this month, but the country will now operate under a caretaker government.

Wilders' coalition partners expressed shock and frustration at his decision. Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the conservative VVD party, remarked, "This is making us look like a fool. There is a war on our continent. Instead of meeting the challenge, Wilders is showing he is not willing to take responsibility." Nicolien van Vroonhoven, leader of the centrist NSC party, called the move "incredible" and labeled it irresponsible given the current political climate.

Despite being the largest party in the coalition, recent polls indicate that Wilders' support has waned since joining the government. His party currently stands at around 20% of the vote, roughly equal to the Labour/Green combination, which is the second-largest in parliament. Wilders had previously demanded immediate backing for his proposals to halt asylum migration entirely, send Syrian refugees back to their home country, and close asylum shelters. However, coalition partners did not support these ideas, stating it was up to the migration minister from Wilders' own party to develop specific proposals.

Wilders, who has a history of anti-Islam and anti-immigrant rhetoric, was previously convicted for discrimination after making derogatory remarks about Moroccans during a campaign rally in 2014. He had managed to secure a coalition deal with three other conservative parties last year, but he was not part of the government as a leader or minister. Instead, the cabinet has been led by Schoof, an independent bureaucrat with a background in intelligence and justice.

As the political landscape shifts, the remaining coalition parties may consider forming a minority government, although this has not been confirmed. The potential for new elections looms, with many political leaders calling for immediate action to address the instability.