Far-right leader withdraws from coalition, collapsing Dutch government
Dutch government collapses as PM Dick Schoof resigns
- Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof has resigned following Geert Wilders' withdrawal of his PVV party from the right-wing coalition, likely triggering snap elections.
- Mr Wilders pulled his party out of the coalition because other partners wouldn't support his asylum and immigration ideas.
- It comes amid rising hard-right sentiment in Europe and could threaten European unity in dealing with Russia and the United States.
- The government's collapse will likely delay decisions on increasing defence spending to meet NATO targets.
- It also leaves the Netherlands with a caretaker government during an upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.