Explainer: Why did PM Mark Rutte-led Dutch government collapse?

The coalition government led by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has collapsed due to irreconcilable disagreements on how to address migration issues.

With elections anticipated in November, Rutte confirmed that several days of crisis negotiations among the four parties involved failed to yield an agreement, AFP reported.

The dispute arose from Rutte's proposal to tighten restrictions on the reunification of asylum seekers' families, aimed at reducing the number of migrants following a previous scandal involving overcrowded migration centers.

"It is no secret that the coalition partners have very different views on migration policy. And today we unfortunately have to conclude that those differences are irreconcilable. That is why I have offered the resignation of the entire cabinet to the King," tweeted Mark Rutte after talks broke down.

"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."

Subsequently, the government officially confirmed that Mark Rutte had submitted his resignation and would meet with King Willem-Alexander on Saturday. This coalition government was Rutte's fourth since assuming office in 2010. However, it had only formed in January 2022 after an extensive 271-day negotiation period and was marked by significant internal divisions on various matters.

Mark Rutte, often referred to as "Teflon Mark" due to his skill in avoiding political disasters, mentioned that he had the energy to run for a fifth term as Prime Minister. However, he emphasized the need for reflection before making a decision on his future political endeavours.

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

Rutte stated that he would lead a caretaker government until the upcoming elections, during which his administration would concentrate on various tasks, including providing support for Ukraine. The unexpected collapse of the coalition led to acrimonious exchanges between the four parties involved, who had collectively been referred to as "Rutte IV" due to their alliance lasting a year and a half.

The opposition to Rutte's proposal primarily stemmed from the Christian Democratic party ChristenUnie, which draws significant support from the conservative Protestant region known as the "Bible Belt" in the central Netherlands, as well as the centre-left D66 party.

According to reports, Rutte insisted on implementing a monthly cap of 200 relatives of war refugees permitted to enter the Netherlands. This measure was part of Rutte's commitment to addressing migration issues following the scandal involving overcrowded migration centres in the previous summer, which resulted in the death of a baby and numerous individuals being left without proper shelter, forcing them to sleep outdoors.

"The family, that children grow up with their parents, is a core value for us," said deputy prime minister Carola Schouten of ChristenUnie, adding it was "a very difficult moment".

Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag of D66 said there was "unnecessary tension in the process" and that the collapse was "regrettable".

Wopke Hoekstra, the Foreign Minister from the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), expressed deep disappointment and confusion over the government's collapse, considering it unnecessary and inexplicable to the citizens of the country.

As a result, the Netherlands is now poised for a highly contentious and divisive election campaign. The emerging BBB party, led by farmers who are against the government's environmental regulations supported by the European Union, aims to replicate its previous success in the senate elections earlier this year.

The leader of the BBB party, Caroline van der Plas, has declined the possibility of forming a coalition with Rutte's party. Furthermore, she did not rule out the potential of running for the position of Prime Minister if her party secures the most seats in the upcoming general election.

According to local media reports, Rutte adopted a firm stance on migration in order to counter a challenge from the right-wing faction of his own party, as the farmer party has been attempting to attract VVD voters.

Rutte has faced ongoing pressure regarding the migration issue due to the presence of far-right parties in the Netherlands, including the party led by anti-Islam figure Geert Wilders.

Mark Rutte's fourth coalition government took office in January 2022 following the longest-ever coalition negotiations in Dutch political history, AP reported. Given the polarized and fragmented political landscape, an election for the 150-seat lower house of the Dutch parliament is expected later this year. Rutte's Cabinet is likely to continue as a caretaker government until a new administration is formed.

In the provincial elections earlier this year, Rutte's party faced defeat as a populist pro-farmer party secured second place. This outcome may have served as an incentive for Rutte to make every effort to maintain the unity of his coalition until its term concludes in 2025.