Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced his departure from politics after the upcoming November elections, confirming that he will not seek a fifth term in office. In a speech delivered in parliament, Rutte, who leads the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), expressed his motivation for the decision, stating, 'In recent days, there's been a lot of speculation about what motivated me. The only answer is the Netherlands.'
Rutte's resignation comes in the aftermath of the collapse of his fourth cabinet, which occurred when an agreement on stricter migration policies could not be reached. The dissolution of the four-party coalition was prompted by a disagreement over restrictions on family reunification for refugees already residing in the country. Despite stepping down as VVD leader, Rutte will continue in a caretaker capacity until the elections take place, as Aljazeera reported.
With this decision, Rutte concludes his tenure as the longest-serving government leader in Dutch history, having assumed the role of prime minister in October 2010. Known as the 'Teflon premier' for his ability to navigate political scandals unscathed, Rutte leaves behind a significant legacy.
However, his departure has not gone without political turbulence. Left-wing opposition parties and the far-right party led by Geert Wilders have filed a motion of no-confidence in Rutte, seeking to topple him as caretaker premier. As the vote in parliament looms, the future leader of the VVD remains uncertain, with no immediate indication of who might replace Rutte. Sophie Hermans, Rutte's former political assistant, currently leads the party's parliamentary faction.
The exact date of the upcoming election is yet to be determined, but it is expected to take place in October or November, following Rutte's tenure as caretaker premier.
