Geert Wilders’ hopes of becoming Dutch PM dim after centrist party quits talks

NSC's Pieter Omtzigt said to be shocked by public finances as he abandons talks to form coalition under far-right leader

Geert Wilders' chances of forming a majority government in the Netherlands have been dealt a heavy blow after one of the far-right leader's three potential partners abruptly withdrew from coalition talks citing concerns over public finances.

Wilders, whose Freedom party (PVV) shocked Europe by finishing first in elections last November, said on X he was unbelievably disappointed" by the decision of New Social Contract (NSC) to declare it was finished" with the current round of talks.