After nearly 14 years, Mark Rutte is saying goodbye as prime minister of the Netherlands. A particular second, as a result of he’s the longest-serving prime minister within the historical past of our nation. For a lot of Dutch individuals, Rutte is the one prime minister they’ve ever identified.
This is a superb second to look again on greater than 5,000 days as prime minister. During which Rutte led 4 cupboards, with highs and lows. Now he’s saying goodbye, however his work will not be but accomplished. In his new function as Secretary Basic of NATO, he’ll proceed to work for the safety and stability of the Netherlands and the remainder of the world.
Thanks Mark. We’ll miss you.
Cupboard Route I
(14-10-2010 to 5-11-2012)
With Rutte on the helm, the VVD rose from 22 to 31 seats within the 2010 elections. As chief of the biggest celebration, he was allowed to take the lead within the formation. A singular coalition of VVD and CDA emerged, with the PVV’s tacit assist. Rutte turned the primary prime minister from the VVD and the primary liberal prime minister in nearly a century.
On 21 April 2012, the cupboard fell after the Catshuis session. A number of days later, Rutte concluded the so-called ‘Spring Settlement’ on the finances with a part of the opposition. In consequence, the finances deficit fell again to the agreed 3%.
Rutte II Cupboard
(5-11-2012 to 26-10-2017)
Taking accountability was rewarded within the early elections: the VVD gained a complete of 41 seats. Rutte II was a majority coalition consisting of VVD and PvdA, the 2 massive winners of the elections. It was the primary time that the pinnacle of state performed no function within the formation.
Rutte II turned the longest-serving cupboard since World Warfare II. It guided the Netherlands by means of economically troublesome occasions after the credit score disaster and the debt disaster. In 2014, the cupboard was confronted with a black web page in Dutch historical past, when flight MH17 was shot down. Rutte emphasised that the Netherlands is not going to relaxation till the perpetrators have been tracked down and have been punished.
Cupboard-Route III
(26-10-2017 to 10-1-2022)
In 2017, the VVD once more turned the biggest celebration, with 33 seats. After the formation, Rutte offered his third cupboard, consisting of VVD, CDA, ChristenUnie and D66. Rutte III succeeded in concluding a Pension Settlement and a Local weather Settlement, which achieved breakthroughs in these areas.
Early 2020, the corona disaster broke out and Rutte gave his well-known tv speech from the Torentje. That was the primary time since 1973. On the time, Prime Minister Den Uyl addressed the nation through the oil disaster.
Following the childcare allowance affair, the cupboard resigned on 15 January 2021. The caretaker cupboard continued to manipulate till January 2022.
Cupboard Route IV
(10-1-2022 to 7-7-2024)
The VVD once more turned the biggest celebration in 2021, with 34 seats. This was adopted by Rutte IV, a cupboard consisting of VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie.
The federal government is governing in turbulent occasions. Rutte IV was nearly instantly confronted with a world disaster when Vladimir Putin determined to assault Ukraine. The federal government determined to assist Ukraine in all kinds of how. As well as, the Netherlands is now investing rather more cash in protection and we’re once more reaching the two% NATO customary. The federal government can also be choosing extra nuclear power, with a purpose to obtain the local weather objectives and to turn out to be much less depending on Russia and the Center East.
Different main challenges additionally lie on the plate of this cupboard, such because the nitrogen disaster, a stagnant housing market and a excessive inflow of asylum seekers. On 7 July 2023, the cupboard fell after months of session on asylum coverage. Rutte introduced that he wouldn’t once more turn out to be the VVD’s prime candidate. On 14 August of that yr, it was introduced that Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius would succeed him as celebration chief and prime candidate.
After nearly 14 years as prime minister and 18 years as chief of the VVD, Rutte will quickly be saying goodbye. His mark on Dutch politics will likely be felt for a very long time to return.
Watch Mark Rutte’s farewell speech within the tower. Learn extra about his departure to NATO or observe our reside weblog about his departure.
