The Dutch government has collapsed after Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed he would be submitting his cabinet’s resignation to King Willem-Alexander, following Geert Wilders’ decision to pull his PVV party out of the ruling coalition.

Schoof expressed his disappointment, labeling Wilders’ move as “irresponsible and unnecessary” during a press conference. He stated that he had attempted to dissuade Wilders from withdrawing his ministers, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

The remaining parties in the coalition—the right-wing liberal VVD, centre-right NSC, and farmers’ party BBB—will continue in a caretaker capacity. Schoof said they would strive to implement the policies outlined in the coalition agreement until a new cabinet is formed, focusing on issues such as housing, the cost of living, security, migration, and nitrogen.

While new elections are expected, Schoof did not specify a date. NSC leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven suggested they might not occur until early next year, whereas VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz advocated for holding elections as soon as possible, emphasizing the need for clarity, a strong cabinet, and allowing voters to determine the country’s direction.

Wilders has called for an early election, expressing his ambition to become prime minister and ensure the PVV achieves its largest electoral victory. Opposition parties, including GroenLinks-PvdA and the centre-right CDA, also support an autumn election, hoping to improve their standing.

Recent polls indicate a close race between the PVV and VVD, with both parties polling at just under 20% of the vote.