A dangerous political virus has swept through Europe in recent years, leading to the collapse of ruling coalitions and a cycle of early, inconclusive elections. The political systems of European states are increasingly failing to meet the demands of modern society. Public support for political parties often plummets immediately after elections.

The early dissolution of governments has become the defining symptom of European politics over the last two years.

In 2024, Belgium failed to form a government on its first attempt when, in August, New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) leader Bart De Wever returned his mandate to the king after unsuccessful negotiations. A deal to form a new coalition was only reached in January 2025, after months of talks. Following the 2019 elections, it took 493 days to form a government. Belgium’s record for operating without a new government stands at 541 days.

This year, for the first in the kingdom’s history, the Dutch government collapsed twice within six months—first as a sitting government, and then again in its caretaker capacity. The Netherlands has faced so many political earthquakes in the last two years that early elections have become almost commonplace.

France is no stranger to political crisis. In the space of two years, it has seen its fourth government resign. The country’s fifth Prime Minister in two years, Sébastien Lecornu, held the position for just 27 days before resigning mere hours after announcing his new cabinet, which was condemned by both Macron’s allies and the opposition.

Last year, the German government also faced a crisis. The ruling coalition fractured, and a chancellor was elected only on the second attempt.