The Dutch government, in power for under four months, narrowly avoided a crisis over far-right leader Geert Wilders’ push to tighten asylum laws through emergency legislation. Although the coalition holds a majority in the second chamber, Wilders’ demands for bypassing parliament created tension, particularly with coalition partner Pieter Omtzigt, who values rule of law. Recent asylum changes include three-year status limits and reduced social benefits, while miscommunications about sending rejected asylum seekers to Uganda have sparked further controversy, raising speculation about the government’s stability.
The Dutch government has been in operation for less than four months and has already faced a significant crisis. Since its inception, Geert Wilders, the far-right leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), has been advocating for stricter asylum laws through emergency measures. This move would allow for bypassing parliament in lawmaking.
While the government holds a majority in the elected second chamber, it lacks the same strength in the first chamber, necessitating compromises. Wilders is at odds with this approach, pushing instead for the Netherlands to opt out of European asylum regulations by declaring an emergency.
Near Collapse of the Government
The governing coalition is further complicated by tensions with Pieter Omtzigt, founder of the New Social Contract party. Although neither he nor Wilders serves in the cabinet, they exert influence over their respective ministers from the sidelines. This dynamic has created friction, especially since Omtzigt values the rule of law and transparency. His firm opposition to governing through emergency laws led to significant disagreements with Wilders, who ultimately backed down to keep the coalition intact.
Alongside Omtzigt and Wilders, the coalition also includes the right-liberal People’s Party for Freedom, previously led by Mark Rutte, and the populist farmers’ party BBB, all helmed by technocrat and former secret service chief Dick Schoof.
Despite not declaring a state of emergency, the recently approved changes to asylum laws are substantial. Asylum status will now be limited to three years, and deportations will be reinstated to specific regions in Syria. This legislation also proposes a reduction in appeals and social benefits, with renewed border controls with Germany.
Managing a government with Wilders exerting influence from behind the scenes poses challenges, as critics argue he acts like an opposition leader. Reports have emerged that PVV ministers report directly to him rather than to Prime Minister Dick Schoof. This conflict became apparent at a recent EU summit, where Schoof introduced a Dutch initiative to relocate rejected asylum seekers to Uganda. He described the plan as serious and concrete to his EU colleagues.
Embarrassment Following the Brussels Summit
The initiative appears to have originated from Wilders’ advisor, Reinette Klever, who had recently visited Uganda. However, following the summit, the Ugandan foreign minister rejected any claims of discussion about the matter, stating the only topic considered was support for existing refugees in Uganda.
Such blunders have led some analysts to speculate that the government’s survival is in jeopardy. Wilders, reportedly dissatisfied with merely advising from the sidelines, might be considering the option of allowing the government to collapse, calling for early elections to seek a stronger mandate. However, coalition-breakers are typically unpopular in the Netherlands, and if the government were to fall, it would be essential for Wilders to avoid being seen as the one responsible.