The New York TimesThe New York Times

Rutte's exit leaves a void in Dutch and EU politics

By Matina Stevis-Gridneff and Claire Moses

10 Jul 2023 · 4 min read

informed Summary

  1. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, known for his consensus-building approach and fiscal prudence, has announced he will leave politics following the collapse of his coalition government. Rutte, who has been in office for 13 years, has been a significant figure in European Union politics, particularly in advocating for rules-based free trade and liberal social values.

Mark Rutte, the long-serving Dutch prime minister who on Monday said he would leave politics after his coalition government collapsed, curated an image of an ordinary guy.

Like many of his compatriots, he rode a bicycle, not a motorcade, to work. He spurned luxuries such as a lavish office or residence. He paid his own expenses, down to his coffees.

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