Geert Wilders has been dealt a major blow after talks to form the next Dutch Government collapsed tonight.
The Dutch populist was left bemused after New Social Contract leader Pieter Omtzigt quit negotations.
Omtzigt left discussions over disagreements about Dutch finances.
However, it has been reported that the centre-right party could prop up a minority Cabinet.
Geert Wilders from PVV Party
GETTY
Responding to the collapsed talks, Wilders said: “How disappointing.
“Pieter Omtzigt is throwing in the towel while we were still in talks until today. I don’t understand it at all.”
Wilders looked likely to lead a potential centre-right majority Government made up of four parties, including Mark Rutte’s centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz revealed she was “very surprised” by the collapse in negotiations.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
New Social Contract (NSC) leader Pieter Omtzigt delivers remarks
GETTY
She added: “We were in the middle of constructive conversations, including today.
“Hope we can sit down soon to hear what exactly is going on here.”
Caroline van der Plas, who leads the right-wing populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), also labelled Omtzigt’s departure as “baffling.”
Wilders shocked Europe last year after winning a plurality of seats in the Dutch election in November.
Geert Wilders voiced his disappointment at the coalition talks
GETTY
The 60-year-old is known for his hardline positions on a number of issues, including immigration and Islam.
It is possible Dutch voters could have to return to the polls if party leaders are unable to form an administration.
Wilders won the most seats in the lower house last time, with 37 out of 150 MPs coming from the Party for Freedom.
The VVD returned 24 MPs, NSC elected 20 from a standing start and BBB made six gains to win seven seats.
Centre-right and right-wing parties could hold 88 seats if coalition talks proved successful.
