Dutch government collapses: time for policies that work
Refugees and local communities were left behind
The government had been in place for less than a year, but much damage was done in a short period of 336 days. Instead of offering practical and humane solutions to the challenges of asylum reception, the government pursued symbolic measures and blocked key reforms.
For example, the cabinet opposed the implementation of the Distribution Act, a law designed to fairly share responsibility for hosting asylum seekers across all Dutch municipalities. It also failed to invest in reducing waiting times in the asylum procedure and did not create long-term reception facilities, leading to a costly increase in temporary emergency shelters run by private companies and often with lower quality standards.
This approach left both refugees and local governments in an impossible position. It was expensive, unsustainable, and unnecessarily harsh.
This is a chance for real change. We need policies that work, leadership that unites, and a country that does not leave people behind.
An opportunity for change
The fall of the cabinet presents a chance to start over, with policies that are effective and fair. The Netherlands urgently needs leadership that builds bridges, not walls. This country needs policies that ensure people forced to flee are treated with dignity, in addition to a society where no one is excluded.
‘This is a chance for real change,’ said Frank Candel, Chair of the Dutch Council for Refugees. ‘We need policies that work, leadership that unites, and a country that does not leave people behind. The Netherlands deserves that. And so do refugees.’
What happens next?
With the coalition no longer intact, the remaining three parties of the coalition will continue in a caretaker role until new elections take place at the end of October 2025.
It remains to be seen what will happen with the strict asylum measures that were proposed by PVV Minister Marjolein Faber, who is now no longer part of the government.