Dutch PM Mark Rutte Announces Resignation

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced his resignation and that of his Cabinet on Friday, citing irreconcilable differences within his four-party coalition about how to rein in migration, a divisive issue that has split nations across Europe.

The decision by the Netherlands’ longest-serving premier means the country will face a general election later this year for the lower house of Parliament. Rutte and his government will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new ruling coalition is chosen.

“It is no secret that the coalition partners have very different views on migration policy,” Rutte told reporters in The Hague. “And today, unfortunately, we have to draw the conclusion that those differences are irreconcilable. That is why I will immediately … offer the resignation of the entire Cabinet to the king in writing”

Opposition lawmakers wasted no time in calling for fresh elections even before Rutte formally confirmed his resignation.

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration Party for Freedom, tweeted, “Quick elections now.”

Across the political spectrum, Green Left leader Jesse Klaver also called for elections and told Dutch broadcaster NOS: “This country needs a change of direction.”

Rutte had presided over late-night meetings Wednesday and Thursday that failed to result in a deal on migration policy. At one final round of talks Friday evening, the parties decided unanimously that they could not agree and, as a result, could not remain together in the coalition.

The decision underscored ideological divisions that existed from the day the coalition was sworn in just over 18 months ago between parties that do not support a strict crackdown on migration — D66 and fellow centrist party ChristenUnie, or Christian Union — and the two that favor tougher measures — Rutte's conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy and the Christian Democrats.

Similar discussions are going on across political divides across Europe as migrants fleeing conflict or seeking a better life make perilous sea crossings from northern Africa to reach the continent. Tens of thousands of people also have fled the grinding war in Ukraine.

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[Amsterdam]

De beste minister-president die we ooit hebben gehad. Die gaan we nog missen.

[DerangedLeftWingers]

the elites do not even know where their food comes from

[mimeltgeneraljjeanboscovga]

Let them compensate you . We adol for irreplaceble efforts. Best Gasasira John B ak Jean

[LovelyLeela]

This is really good news for the netherlands 🎉

[lorentz]

Rutte can now be the next General Secretary for Nato. He will be just fine.

[robinw]

Maybe it's an answer to prayer, because you can't force all your farmers to give up their land and deplete the national food supply to please the EU. That's suicide. May God raise up courageous leaders to replace them. In Jesus' name Amen.

[TSFE]

well now as common citizen you ll finally have time to go to holidays to your beloved south europe, we all are waiting for you Mark lol

[MrCulblu]

Good riddance. Now Nuremberg 2.0 to him, Trudeau, Macron, Jarden, Fauci, Gates, Klaus, Bourlas & more. See you all there in the near future!

[DZX]

the Garbage Mark Rutte should be thrown into Prison.