The Short-Lived Schoof Cabinet: A Dutch Political Experiment

The Schoof cabinet, a demissionary government in the Netherlands formed in July 2024, experienced a remarkably brief tenure marked by internal divisions and collapse. Led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, the coalition—initially comprised of the Party for Freedom (PVV), the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Fresh Social Contract (NSC) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB)—struggled to maintain unity over key policy areas, particularly concerning asylum and migration. This article examines the rise and fall of the Schoof cabinet, its challenges, and the implications for Dutch politics.

Formation and Initial Challenges

Following the 2023 Dutch general election, the formation of a governing coalition proved protracted. The eventual agreement between the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB was described by Schoof himself as lacking “affection,” hinting at the underlying tensions that would plague the government. As Schoof later reflected, the situation was “complicated” and he had anticipated the government wouldn’t last its full term.

The Collapse of the Coalition

The first cracks appeared in June 2025 when Geert Wilders’ PVV withdrew its ministers from the cabinet due to irreconcilable disagreements on asylum and migration policies. This withdrawal followed months of internal coalition tensions. The situation deteriorated further in August 2025 with the exit of NSC, leaving the cabinet in a demissionary state—unable to make significant policy decisions.

Schoof’s Reflections on His Premiership

Despite the short lifespan of his government, Dick Schoof expressed few regrets about his time as Prime Minister. In his final cabinet meeting, Schoof stated he would accept the role again if given the chance. He similarly noted that his ministers had thanked him for leading despite the difficulties. Schoof attributed the cabinet’s struggles to a lack of willingness among party leaders to compromise.

The Demissionary Period and Beyond

With the collapse of the coalition, the Schoof cabinet continued in a demissionary capacity. As a demissionary cabinet, its primary function was to manage the country’s affairs until a new government could be formed. Schoof continued to represent the Netherlands on the international stage, delivering speeches at events such as the ONE Conference in The Hague and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. These engagements demonstrate the continued responsibilities of the caretaker government.

Looking Ahead

The fall of the Schoof cabinet underscores the challenges of coalition governance in the Netherlands. The subsequent formation process will likely be complex, requiring significant negotiation and compromise among political parties. The experience serves as a reminder of the fragility of Dutch coalition governments and the importance of finding common ground on key policy issues. The Jetten cabinet is expected to follow.