Dutch PM: coalition collapse “unnecessary and irresponsible”; Cabinet to resign
Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Tuesday announced the collapse of his cabinet during a press conference, blaming the fall on the withdrawal of the Party for Freedom (PVV) from the governing coalition. He said the PVV’s exit had stripped the coalition of majority support in the House of Representatives, leaving no choice but to dissolve the government.
Schoof confirmed that he would immediately offer the resignation of all PVV ministers to King Willem-Alexander. Ministers from the remaining parties—the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC), and Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB)—will remain in office in a caretaker capacity.
“The mandate given to this cabinet by society was to address urgent issues in the Netherlands,” Schoof said. “Issues related to housing, livelihood security, public safety, migration, and nitrogen emissions. These were included in the coalition agreement made by four parties, which was reflected in the government program.”
“In recent months, the cabinet has worked hard to implement those plans,” he said. “But when one party lacks the will to continue, you cannot move forward together.”
He said the Council of Ministers had discussed the situation and reached a unanimous conclusion. “We have concluded that with the PVV’s departure, there is no longer sufficient support in the House of Representatives for this cabinet,” Schoof said. “That means I will go immediately to the king to offer the resignation of the PVV ministers.”
“The remaining ministers will continue in a demissionary capacity,” he added. “A copy of the resignation letter will also be sent to both the House of Representatives and the Senate.”
Schoof said he had warned all four coalition party leaders repeatedly that allowing the cabinet to fall was unnecessary and dangerous. “In the past few days, I have told all four party leaders multiple times that the fall of the cabinet, in my view, was unnecessary and irresponsible,” he said. “We are facing major challenges, both nationally and internationally.”
He emphasized that strong and immediate action is essential in today’s global environment. “Now more than ever, decisiveness is required—decisiveness for our safety, our resilience, and our economy in a rapidly changing world,” Schoof said. “For all people in the Netherlands who worry about finding a place to live or about making ends meet. For farmers and growers who want perspective for the future. And for gaining control over migration.”
“This demands action, not delay,” he added. “So as a caretaker cabinet, we will do everything in the interest of the people of this country—within the limits allowed by parliament.”
At the close of the press conference, Schoof reflected on his unexpected appointment as prime minister one year earlier. “A year ago, I was asked to become prime minister of the Netherlands. It was a question I never expected,” he said. “I said ‘yes’ out of the conviction that I could contribute to solving the problems facing this country. I still hold that conviction.”
He confirmed that he and the remaining ministers from VVD, NSC, and BBB would continue their duties until a new cabinet is formed. “Life in the Netherlands and abroad continues,” Schoof said. “There are decisions that must be made—and they cannot be delayed.”
The press conference ended abruptly after just four minutes of Q&A. Schoof fielded a few questions before cutting things short. “I have to go to the king, goodbye,” he said, before walking out.
