The coalition government led by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has crumbled as disagreements over migration policies reached an impasse. Following days of crisis negotiations, the four-party coalition proved unable to find common ground, leading to its collapse. Rutte, who holds the record as the Netherlands’ longest-serving leader, made the announcement during a press conference and submitted his written resignation to the king.
The rift emerged primarily from Rutte’s proposal to tighten regulations on family reunification for asylum seekers, aiming to reduce the numbers following a scandal involving overcrowded migration centers. However, the coalition partners, including Rutte’s center-right VVD party, held divergent perspectives on migration policy, making a resolution unattainable.
This coalition government, Rutte’s fourth since assuming office in 2010, had been in power for a short duration since January 2022, following arduous negotiations lasting 271 days. Deep divisions on various issues had already strained the coalition, exacerbating the eventual breakdown.
Rutte’s resignation entails the formation of a caretaker government that will oversee the country’s affairs until the upcoming elections, anticipated to occur in mid-November. During this interim period, the caretaker government will focus on crucial tasks such as providing support to Ukraine.
The sudden collapse has triggered acrimonious blame games between the coalition parties, including ChristenUnie, D66, and the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). Rutte’s proposal to limit the number of relatives of war refugees allowed into the Netherlands to 200 per month faced strong opposition. As a result, the upcoming election campaign is expected to be characterized by intense and divisive debates.
The BBB party, led by farmers opposing EU-backed environmental regulations, aims to replicate its recent success in senate elections. BBB leader Caroline van der Plas has expressed reluctance to form a coalition with Rutte and has not ruled out the possibility of running for the prime minister’s position if her party secures the majority of seats.
The government’s collapse has been met with disappointment and regret by Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag (D66) and Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra (CDA). The Netherlands anticipates a tumultuous and contentious political landscape in the lead-up to the general election.