In July 2023, after thirteen years in office as the Netherlands’ prime minister, Mark Rutte announced he would resign from office, saying he was “retiring from politics.” Rutte had been the longest-serving prime minster in the history of the Netherlands, a country of just over 17 million. So, why did he step down?
Rutte’s liberal-conservative People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) had deemed his approach on asylum-seekers too lenient, causing his fragile four-party coalition government to collapse. This was followed by snap elections, won by far-right populist Geert Wilders. Rutte had been unable to prevent this shift toward the right, and it arguably marked the biggest defeat of his political career.
Since then he has remained in office for nearly a year, in a caretaking role as Wilders’ complicated government talks have dragged on.
Retirement plans postponed
By October 2023, the 57-year-old Rutte had seemingly forgotten all about his vow to retire from politics, and instead signaled his interest in succeeding NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term ends in October. For months, Rutte ran a discreet one-man campaign in an effort to win over various heads of state and government, whom he already knew from years of working with various international bodies. The trained historian is a staunch supporter of Ukraine and was quickly able to secure US backing for his campaign, soon followed by most other NATO member states.
Winning over Hungary’s right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, with whom he is not on the best of terms, took a bit longer. Rutte had to promise Orban that Hungary would never have to participate in NATO activities supporting Ukraine outside of NATO territory as long as Rutte leads the alliance. Orban, who keeps friendly ties with Russia, also ruled out arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Rutte’s liberal politics and Orban’s illiberal outlook often put them at loggerheads in their dealings within the EU. When Hungary adopted an anti-LGBTQ+ law in 2021, Rutte told Orban he was free to leave the bloc if he disagreed with its policies.
That said, Rutte is known for his good humor and wit. As prime minister, he would cycle from his modest home to his office. Sometimes, one could witness his musical talent when he sat down to play piano at The Hague Central station.
