[ad_1]
- A good two weeks after they won the parliamentary elections, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte barely survived a vote of confidence in parliament.
- After a long and turbulent debate over Rutte’s controversial remarks in the coalition talks, most MPs rejected an opposition motion of no confidence on Friday night.
- Rutte announced that she wanted to remain in office.
Regardless of whether it is successful, the Conservative head of government will not come out of the matter without prejudice. A large majority of the parties expressed deep disapproval of his behavior.
Therefore, it is questionable whether the prime minister will still be able to form a coalition with a majority. Because his previous companions also clearly distanced themselves from him. The left-wing liberal D66 and the Christian Democratic CDA declared that a new coalition under Rutte “was not a matter of course.”
Right-wing populist Geert Wilders, who asked for a vote of confidence and received all the opposition votes for his motion, spoke of the “end of the Rutte era.”
Rutte wants to regain confidence
The 54-year-old head of government had misinformed parliament and gave the impression that he wanted to get rid of an uncomfortable critic, Christian Democratic MP Pieter Omtzigt. After a special session that lasted more than 13 hours, Rutte apologized to parliament and MP Omtzigt.
I will take care to regain confidence.
“Where trust has been violated, I will work hard to restore it,” Rutte said. Parliament’s vote is a “serious sign”. Rutte promised: “I will make sure to regain confidence.” He also wants to try to form a coalition again.
Because of the struggling coalition talks?
The crisis was triggered by a series of falsehoods and disguises during the first talks about the formation of a new coalition. The future of MP Omtzigt was also discussed. From the notes of the conversation it was clear that the Prime Minister would like to have him in a new position elsewhere in the future. But Rutte had previously denied it. Therefore, the opposition accused him of lying.
Omtzigt considers himself an uncomfortable deputy. Along with others, he had brought to light a child benefit issue that ultimately led to the resignation of the government in January. Since then, Rutte has only been in the role as a manager. In the March 17 elections, his VVD party was once again the strongest force. It was expected to form a coalition with the CDA and D66, as well as a fourth partner.
