Caretaker Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof pledged Wednesday to maintain support for Ukraine and uphold defence commitments, despite the political turmoil in the Netherlands caused by the recent collapse of his government.
Schoof confirmed he would remain in his role until new elections are held, following far-right leader Geert Wilders’ decision to withdraw his Freedom Party (PVV) from the fragile ruling coalition.
In the Netherlands, a caretaker government is permitted to continue with existing priority policies if it has parliamentary support, though it cannot initiate new ones.
Schoof outlined these priorities during a heated parliamentary debate, emphasising that “life in the Netherlands and abroad goes on, and decisions have to be taken that cannot be delayed.”
He highlighted domestic and international security, including “support for Ukraine and everything we need to do for defence,” as key areas. Other priorities he mentioned included international trade amid global tariff disputes and the introduction of a budget in September.
The sudden government collapse on Tuesday, just 11 months after the cabinet was formed, has plunged the EU’s fifth-largest economy into uncertainty and occurred only weeks before the Netherlands is set to host a NATO summit with world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Dutch law mandates three months for election preparations, with most analysts anticipating a vote in October or November.
Current polls show Wilders’ PVV and the Green/Left party, led by former European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans, in a tight race, with the liberal VVD close behind.
Timmermans vocally called for immediate elections and sharply criticised Wilders, stating, “I hope that you never, ever have any influence in running this country ever again.”
