Dutch government collapses over bitter migration row election not until november

Dutch government collapses over bitter migration row election not until november

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s coalition government collapsed Friday over “insurmountable” differences on how to tackle migration, with elections expected in November.

Mr. Rutte, 56, the Netherlands’ longest-serving leader and one of Europe’s most experienced politicians, said days of crisis talks between the four parties failed to produce a deal. They fell out over Mr. Rutte’s plans to tighten curbs on reuniting families of asylum seekers, a bid to curb numbers following a scandal last year over overcrowded migration centres.

“It is no secret that the coalition partners have very different views on migration policy,” Mr. Rutte, the leader of the centre-right VVD party, told a press conference.

“This evening, we have unfortunately reached the conclusion that the differences are insurmountable. For this reason, I will shortly present my written resignation to the king in the name of the whole government.”

The government later confirmed he had presented his resignation. Mr. Rutte subsequently met the King, who was out of the country on holiday when the government fell and flew back to the Netherlands to meet Mr. Rutte.

“It was a good discussion but I’m not saying anything else because these discussions are confidential,” Mr. Rutte said.

Fourth coalition

The coalition was Mr. Rutte’s fourth since he took office in 2010. But it had only taken office in January 2022 after a record 271 days of negotiations and was deeply divided on many issues.

Mr. Rutte — dubbed “Teflon Mark” after the non-stick pan coating for his ability to avoid political catastrophe — added that he had the “energy” to stand for a fifth term but that he had to “reflect” first.

The earliest that elections can be held is in mid-November, the Dutch election commission said.

Mr. Rutte said he would lead a caretaker government until then that would focus on tasks including support for Ukraine.