Dutch MP Wilders threatens new election over asylum row

By AFP
February 11, 2025
Dutch far-right politician and leader of the PVV party Geert Wilders attends a meeting of Dutch parties lead candidates, for the first time after elections, Netherlands, November 24, 2023.— Reuters
Dutch far-right politician and leader of the PVV party Geert Wilders attends a meeting of Dutch parties' lead candidates, for the first time after elections, Netherlands, November 24, 2023.— Reuters

THE HAGUE: Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders threatened on Monday to force early elections if a landmark immigration bill did not pass quickly despite the country´s top advisory body calling for an overhaul.

For months the shaky coalition governing the Netherlands has been bickering over legislation that aims to reduce asylum claims in the country. The cabinet has been waiting for advice from the Council of State (RvS) advisory body, which delivered a critical opinion earlier on Monday.