World Immigration News

Dutch voters hit polls as immigration fears propel far right towards power

Release Date: 2025-10-24
Media: ALJAZEERA
Summary: The Netherlands will hold a snap parliamentary election on October 29 after the collapse of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s coalition government. The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, is expected to win the most seats but not a majority, as the country’s proportional representation system requires coalition governments.

The previous coalition of the PVV, Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), New Social Contract (NSC), and People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) broke down in June 2025 due to disputes over immigration. PVV demanded stricter asylum rules and deportation of dual nationals convicted of crimes, but the other parties opposed. Wilders withdrew from the coalition, leading to Schoof’s resignation. Later, the NSC’s foreign minister resigned over disagreements about sanctions on Israel, further weakening the government.

Polls indicate PVV could win 31 of 150 seats, followed by the Green-Labour alliance (GroenLinks-PvdA) with 25 and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) with 23. No party is likely to reach the 76 seats required to form a majority.

Immigration dominates the campaign, with half of voters citing it as their main concern, followed by housing and national identity. PVV advocates stricter border controls, while GroenLinks-PvdA supports limited immigration. Protests against migration have turned violent in several cities.

The Netherlands currently hosts 2.9 million migrants, about 16 percent of its population, and faces a housing shortage of more than 430,000 homes. Although migration slightly decreased in 2024, it remains the main driver of population growth.

Experts say immigration has become a central issue affecting housing, welfare, and cultural debates. This trend is likely to strengthen the far right’s political influence, while left-wing and pro-immigration groups warn of rising racism and social polarization.
Tags: Netherlands

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