After almost 14 years, Mark Rutte is saying goodbye as prime minister of the Netherlands. A special moment, because he is the longest-serving prime minister in the history of our country. For many Dutch people, Rutte is the only prime minister they have ever known.
This is an excellent moment to look back on more than 5,000 days as prime minister. In which Rutte led four cabinets, with highs and lows. Now he is saying goodbye, but his work is not yet done. In his new role as Secretary General of NATO, he will continue to work for the security and stability of the Netherlands and the rest of the world.
Thanks Mark. We’re going to miss you.
Cabinet Route I
(14-10-2010 to 5-11-2012)
With Rutte at the helm, the VVD rose from 22 to 31 seats in the 2010 elections. As leader of the largest party, he was allowed to take the lead in the formation. A unique coalition of VVD and CDA emerged, with the PVV’s tacit support. Rutte became the first prime minister from the VVD and the first liberal prime minister in almost a century.
On 21 April 2012, the cabinet fell following the Catshuis consultation. A few days later, Rutte concluded the so-called ‘Spring Agreement’ on the budget with part of the opposition. As a result, the budget deficit fell back to the agreed 3%.
Rutte II Cabinet
(5-11-2012 to 26-10-2017)
Taking responsibility was rewarded in the early elections: the VVD won a total of 41 seats. Rutte II was a majority coalition consisting of VVD and PvdA, the two big winners of the elections. It was the first time that the head of state played no role in the formation.
Rutte II became the longest-serving cabinet since World War II. It guided the Netherlands through economically difficult times following the credit crisis and the debt crisis. In 2014, the cabinet was confronted with a black page in Dutch history, when flight MH17 was shot down. Rutte emphasized that the Netherlands will not rest until the perpetrators have been tracked down and have been punished.
Cabinet-Route III
(26-10-2017 to 10-1-2022)
In 2017, the VVD once more became the largest party, with 33 seats. After the formation, Rutte presented his third cabinet, consisting of VVD, CDA, ChristenUnie and D66. Rutte III succeeded in concluding a Pension Agreement and a Climate Agreement, which achieved breakthroughs in those areas.
Early 2020, the corona crisis broke out and Rutte gave his famous television speech from the Torentje. That was the first time since 1973. At the time, Prime Minister Den Uyl addressed the country during the oil crisis.
Following the childcare allowance affair, the cabinet resigned on 15 January 2021. The caretaker cabinet continued to govern until January 2022.
Cabinet Route IV
(10-1-2022 to 7-7-2024)
The VVD once more became the largest party in 2021, with 34 seats. This was followed by Rutte IV, a cabinet consisting of VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie.
The government is governing in turbulent times. Rutte IV was almost immediately confronted with an international crisis when Vladimir Putin decided to attack Ukraine. The government decided to support Ukraine in all sorts of ways. In addition, the Netherlands is now investing much more money in defense and we are once more achieving the 2% NATO standard. The government is also opting for more nuclear energy, in order to achieve the climate goals and to become less dependent on Russia and the Middle East.
Other major challenges also lie on the plate of this cabinet, such as the nitrogen crisis, a stagnant housing market and a high influx of asylum seekers. On 7 July 2023, the cabinet fell following months of consultation on asylum policy. Rutte announced that he would not once more become the VVD’s top candidate. On 14 August of that year, it was announced that Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius would succeed him as party leader and top candidate.
After almost 14 years as prime minister and 18 years as leader of the VVD, Rutte will soon be saying goodbye. His mark on Dutch politics will be felt for a long time to come.
Watch Mark Rutte’s farewell speech in the tower. Read more regarding his departure to NATO or follow our live blog regarding his departure.
