Rome, July 7, 2023 – Political earthquake in Hollandstruggling with one these hours government crisis which is seemingly difficult to undo. The “Rutte IV has fallen,” reports local media. The alliance is led by the prime minister himself Mark Rutte, At the time, given the conservative bias, it would have been leaps and bounds to approve some measures related to immigration and asylum.
The coalition that maintained the Executive was formed by People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), to which the Prime Minister himself belongs, by the Liberals of the D66, by the Christian Democrats of the Christian Democratic Appeal (Cda) and by the Calvinists of the Christian Union (CU).
The crisis reaches a sky that is anything but serene. The asylum negotiations have dragged on for months and are tearing the majority apart. Now the way is clear for new elections, probably in the fall. October is the month when Holland should go to the polls again. Rutte became prime minister in October 2010 and would therefore fall after almost 13 years in power.
Because Rutte fell
The main nodes that have split the axis of government concern the Asylum measures and immigration law. Issues on which the majority parties have long distanced themselves. In the last few days, the topic has exploded: the conflict over measures to limit family reunification has flared up, particularly between VVD and CU. On the one hand the parties VVD and CDA with unyielding positions, on the other hand the liberals and Calvinists for the softer line. Differences that ultimately proved irreconcilable.
Today it was clear to most that the situation would soon explode. After further talks with CU ministers, the deputies of the smallest coalition party had already gathered for breakfast before the coalition meeting. Attempts to bring the parties closer together have been manifold in recent days. The latest plan discussed on Friday included the so-called on and off button for family reunification. If the influx of migrants was too great, this button could be disabled. A compromise solution, but no convergence was found. As well as for the previous plans.
Yesterday, for example, VVD and CDA themselves proposed drafting an initiative law introducing a two-state system in order to grant migrants various rights. But D66 and CU persevered. Rutte’s demonstration of strength on Wednesday, which put a comprehensive package of demands on the table, further fueled the mood. But the next day, the same prime minister had given the coalition parties an additional 24 hours to consider a final proposal and reach an agreement. But the agreement did not come about.
Rutte, Meloni and Harmonie on immigration
Mark Rutte has always proven to be a valid ally Giorgia Meloni on the European chessboard in his first year as Prime Minister. In particular, Meloni agreed with the Dutch Prime Minister on the migration policy to be adopted in the EU. She and Rutte were recently on a mission to Tunisia with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The aim was to conclude a declaration of intent with the North African country that ranged from the economy to immigration. Not a simple game that could now become even more complicated.