Dutch PM Rutte announces departure from politics after collapse of government

Rutte, who holds the record as the Netherlands' longest-serving government leader, made the announcement during an emergency parliamentary debate held earlier today, indicating that he will not be leading his party, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), in the forthcoming general elections anticipated in November. Instead, he plans to exit the political arena after the electoral process concludes.

During the debate, Rutte emphasized his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Netherlands, asserting that his current position is no longer conducive to achieving that objective. Having reached a decision the previous day, he communicated his intention to withdraw from leading the VVD list once a new government assumes power.

The coalition government's disintegration was triggered by Rutte's proposal to tighten restrictions on family reunification for asylum seekers, a measure aimed at stemming the influx of arrivals following a distressing overcrowding scandal. On Friday night, Rutte publicly acknowledged that irreconcilable differences on the issue of asylum had caused the breakdown of the government.

Immigration has emerged as an intensely divisive topic within Dutch society, with tensions escalating since last autumn's events at a registration center in Ter Apel. The facility witnessed harrowing scenes as individuals endured desperate conditions, including sleeping outdoors for extended periods, and tragically, the death of an infant occurred in an overcrowded sports hall.

While Rutte's departure looms, he will continue to lead a caretaker government, limited in its authority to address contentious matters such as housing construction, pollution, the cost of living crisis, and asylum.

The caretaker government will maintain its role until a successor assumes office subsequent to the upcoming elections.

The Dutch political landscape faces a significant transformation as the departure of Prime Minister Rutte paves the way for a new era in the country's governance.

Mark Rutte became Prime Minister in 2010, after the VVD won the general election. He has led two coalition governments, the first with the Labour Party and the second with the Christian Democratic Appeal.

His government has been praised for its handling of the financial crisis, but it has also been criticized for its austerity measures. (ILKHA)