By Victor Vos

December 19, 2025

In the Netherlands, political entities express democratic criticism towards coalition negotiations, deeming them as inefficient and a potential source of instability. This criticism mirrors a broader apprehension regarding the sustainability of governing coalitions, a concern highlighted by the nation experiencing a number of different governments since 2002. The Dutch government's collapse in June 2025, specifically due to disagreements over immigration policy, underscores the fragility and challenges in forming stable political alliances.

These concerns further extend to the coalition's profound influence on critical national issues. Beyond broad economic strategies, social welfare initiatives, and international diplomacy, the current political landscape significantly impacts specific policy areas such as climate targets and energy independence. The new right-wing coalition government, installed in July 2024, has set a target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels. While aligning with EU regulations, this goal is less ambitious than previous targets. The coalition is also prioritizing energy independence through investments in North Sea gas extraction, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. However, frequent changes in government have led to an ever-changing climate and energy policy landscape, frustrating businesses and hindering long-term planning, raising concerns that the Netherlands might miss its 2030 climate targets.

The recent dialogues in coalition politics are therefore characterized by increased public scrutiny and a tense atmosphere, as the nation grapples with persistent political volatility and its implications for crucial policy implementation.