Party's withdrawal from talks scuttles Wilders' bid to form new Dutch government

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Efforts to form a new Dutch government with far-right politician Geert Wilders in the premier’s seat have collapsed, according to media reports.

The Netherlands' New Social Contract Party led by Pieter Omtzigt withdrew from the negotiations, which led to a failure of efforts to form a coalition government, Dutch daily AD reported late Tuesday.

Omtzigt's decision stemmed from the state of the public finances, and he refused to make "empty promises" to the Dutch people, according to the same source.

He added, however, that his party could support a minority government without taking part in it.

Wilders, whose PVV party sent shockwaves last November when it won 37 seats in elections, more than any other party, expressed his "great disappointment" with the news.

On X, he criticized Omtzigt for "throwing in the towel.”

After the elections, Wilders' PVV, former Prime Minister Mark Rutte's center-right party VVD, the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) led by Caroline van der Plas, and the NSC had entered negotiations to form a new government.

The three parties still at the table can continue discussions without NSC, or fresh talks will be launched with a new set of parties, said local media outlets.