Dutch government collapses after coalition partners clash over immigration policies

The Dutch government collapsed on Friday, after failing to reach a deal on restricting immigration. The crisis was triggered by a push from Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative VVD party to limit the flow of asylum seekers to the Netherlands, which two of his four-party government coalition refused to support.

“It’s no secret that the coalition partners have differing opinions about immigration policy. Today we unfortunately have to conclude that those differences have become insurmountable. Therefore, in writing, I will tender the resignation of the entire cabinet to the king,” Rutte said in a Friday press conference.

Rutte, 56, in power since 2010, is already the Netherlands' longest serving prime minister. He said late on Friday that he'd like to run for a fifth term but would consult with his party before making a final decision.

Rutte's coalition will stay on as a caretaker government until a new administration is formed after new elections, a process which in the fractured Dutch political landscape usually takes months.

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