PVV leader Geert Wilders is pressuring coalition partners to adopt his stricter asylum demands, threatening to withdraw from the government if his proposals are not met. This ultimatum follows increased pressure at a far-right congress in Budapest and a series of messages emphasizing voter support for his demands.

Coalition partners VVD, NSC, and BBB are attempting to de-escalate the situation, suggesting Wilders present detailed proposals in the House of Representatives. However, concerns are growing about Wilders’ motives, with some suspecting he seeks a reason to collapse the cabinet.

The timing of Wilders’ demands coincides with the upcoming release of the Council of State’s critical advice on the rent freeze, a key PVV initiative expected to be unfavorable. This maneuver is seen by some as a tactic to divert attention from potential setbacks on other policy fronts.

Furthermore, the new NATO spending standard, requiring increased defense investments, poses a challenge for the PVV, which is less enthusiastic about such expenditures. Shifting the focus to asylum policy allows Wilders to operate in a more favorable domain.

However, this strategy carries risks for Wilders. Failure to deliver on his promises could alienate supporters, while triggering a cabinet crisis could lead to a less desirable coalition with political rivals. The other coalition parties appear hesitant to concede on Monday, primarily aiming to determine Wilders’ true intentions and whether he is genuinely seeking a political solution.