Latest Mark Rutte News
Preliminary Dutch government talks delayed as official seeking coalitions says he needs more time
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The official appointed to investigate possible coalitions after the Dutch election won by Geert Wilders ' far-right Party for Freedom said Friday he needs more time because of reluctance by potential partners to join Wilders in a government. Ronald...
Latvia's chief diplomat pursues NATO's top job, saying a clear vision on Russia is needed
BRUSSELS (AP) — Latvia’s foreign minister on Tuesday staked his claim to the top job at NATO, saying that the military organization needs a consensus builder who is committed to higher defense spending and has a clear vision of how to deal with Russia. NATO is likely to name a...
The Netherlands' longtime ruling party says it won't join a new government following far-right's win
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A senator from the Netherlands' Party for Freedom was appointed Friday to investigate possible governing coalitions after the far-right party's election victory, while the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it would support a center-right administration...
Dutch election winner Geert Wilders is an anti-Islam firebrand known as the Dutch Donald Trump
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — He's been called the Dutch Donald Trump. He's been threatened with death countless times by Islamic extremists, convicted of insulting Moroccans, and Britain once banned him from entering the country. Now Geert Wilders has won a massive victory in a...
Dutch election winner Geert Wilders is an anti-Islam firebrand known as the Dutch Donald Trump
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — He's been called the Dutch Donald Trump. He's been threatened with death countless times by Islamic extremists, convicted of insulting Moroccans and Britain once banned him from entering the country. Now Geert Wilders has won a massive victory in a...
The top contenders to lead the Netherlands, from a former refugee to an anti-Islam populist
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — No fewer than 26 Dutch political parties are seeking a share of the 150 seats in the lower house of parliament when the Netherlands holds a general election Wednesday. Only a few of them stand a realistic chance of providing the candidate who will succeed Mark Rutte...
Dutch political leaders campaign on final day before general election that will usher in new leader
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch political leaders sought support from undecided voters in frantic campaigning Tuesday, on the eve of a general election that will change the face of the country’s politics after 13 years of leadership by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Pollsters...
Potential kingmaker in Dutch coalition talks comes out against anti-Islam firebrand Wilders
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The center-right lawmaker whose new party is riding so high in polls ahead of next week's Dutch election that he could become a kingmaker in coalition talks said Thursday that he has fundamental differences with anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, whose party also is...
Dutch election candidates make migration a key campaign issue in the crowded Netherlands
TER APEL, Netherlands (AP) — It is a familiar sight in this remote rural town: a migrant in a headscarf and thick winter coat carrying her belongings to the overcrowded reception center as a storm brews over the flat landscape. For many here and across this nation once known as a...
Dutch caretaker government unveils budget plan to spend 2 billion per year extra to fight poverty
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The caretaker Dutch government announced Tuesday that it will spend an extra 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) per year to tackle poverty in this nation where the gap between rich and poor is shaping up as a major campaign theme ahead of a November general election. ...
