Longest-serving prime minister Mark Rutte quits politics after resigning

His decision puts an end to the career of the man who holds the record for longevity at the head of the government of the Netherlands. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced Monday, July 10, to leave politics. Nicknamed “Teflon” for having survived the various scandals that have rocked his four governments since 2010, the liberal right-wing leader (VVD) has declared that he will step down after the early legislative elections scheduled for this fall and caused by the collapse of his last coalition and his resignation, due to internal disputes over the tightening of Dutch asylum policy.

Mark Rutte had assured Friday to still have “energy” to present himself as the head of his party’s list in the legislative elections in order to aim for a fifth term, but that he had to start there “to reflect on”. He finally created the surprise on Monday: “I am no longer fit to be top of the list for the VVD again”he said in front of stunned deputies.

More than a decade at the head of the country

“I feel good, but of course it’s an important moment for me personally”, said Mark Rutte. He was the active head of government of the European Union having spent the longest time in power, after the Hungarian Viktor Orban.

Mark Rutte, who is used to going to official meetings by bike, has for more than a decade at the head of the Netherlands taken care of his image of “Mister everyone” in order to seduce voters. He was also a European stalwart who infuriated some countries in the South with his tough line on bailouts. He had, however, won the sympathy of other European leaders for his support for Ukraine.