Wilders: Either tighten asylum or we withdraw
The far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), threatened to withdraw from the government coalition unless the majority of his ten proposals to tighten asylum policy are adopted.
In a tweet on the "X" platform, Wilders confirmed that his party will leave the coalition if six of his ten proposals are not included in the government agreement and implemented immediately. Wilders' plan includes: Stopping the reception of new asylum seekers. Suspending family reunification for recognized refugees. Deporting Syrians with temporary residency, claiming that Syria has become safe. Closing existing asylum centers and not establishing new ones. Revoking Dutch citizenship from dual nationals convicted of violent or sexual crimes and deporting them. Using the military to guard the land borders.
Wilders confirmed that these measures are necessary to fulfill his electoral promises, noting that his party has shown patience since the formation of the government in July 2024. Wilders' proposals were met with criticism from his coalition partners. Dilan Yesilgoz, leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), stated that Wilders should communicate with Minister of Asylum Margot van der Stoel, who has so far been unable to pass three bills to reform the system.
Jesse Klaver also criticized Wilders' participation in the CPAC conference in Budapest, hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stating that the leader of the largest party in the Netherlands should focus on the security of the Dutch people, especially in light of Russian threats. For her part, Nicolien van Vroonhoven, leader of the New Social Contract (NSC) party, confirmed that her party would not agree to further tightening of asylum policy after the agreement on a strict package of measures last October.
Caroline van der Plas, leader of the Farmers' Party BBB, expressed her willingness to discuss Wilders' proposals, indicating the possibility of partial support within the coalition. It is worth noting that some of Wilders' proposals, such as deporting Syrians within six months, may conflict with European and international laws, as the Dutch government has not declared Syria a safe country. The leaders of the four coalition parties are expected to hold a meeting today to discuss Wilders' plan, amid rising tensions that could lead to a government crisis if consensus is not reached.