NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 22:56
The cabinet fell because the differences in opinion between the coalition parties about asylum turned out to be “unfortunately unbridgeable”. Prime Minister Rutte said this at a press conference about the fall of his fourth cabinet. “It was no secret that the four parties have different views on that subject.”
“Very regrettable, but a political fact,” Rutte said. He denied that the ChristenUnie pulled the plug from the cabinet. According to him, the four parties jointly came to the conclusion that no agreement was possible.
“That is difficult for all of us, including me personally,” said the prime minister. “All parties have gone to their utmost, even tonight.”
‘Just think about it’
New elections will be held, and the ministers and state secretaries will remain outgoing at their posts. According to Rutte, they will “continue to help Ukraine in the war as best as possible”. The same applies to the settlement of the benefits scandal and the earthquake problem in Groningen.
When asked if he wants to become a party leader for the VVD again, Rutte said: “It just happened, I also have to think about it. But if you ask me now, I will say yes. Because I have the energy for it.”
