Tag "Mark Rutte"
Rutte for Fourth Term? Splintered Dutch Political Landscape
Approaching 7 months since the last Dutch general election, new cabinet formations have been marred by internal struggles, ministerial scandals, and political betrayals hampering party leaders from partaking in constructive discussions. The current and now demissionary Rutte III cabinet holds the record for the longest cabinet formation in Dutch history: a whopping 225 days, a situation politicians hoped they would never encounter again. However, Rutte’s aspirations to become the Netherlands longest-serving Prime Minister, in combination with the country’s fragmented political landscape, means Dutch citizens must brace themselves for a long formation if not new elections. Recent breakthroughs to restart the current coalition have signaled a possible end to formations, but if it falls through, new elections are inevitable.
The Netherlands Struggles to Find Political Stability as Polarisation Increases
Amid the pandemic, Dutch politics have become increasingly tumultuous. Its parliamentary elections in March touted the largest number of parties on the Dutch ballots since the 1940s. Additionally, a public awareness of a myriad of socio-political issues and a relatively high voter turnout possibly reflect a more diverse political landscape. Yet, the fallout from last year’s childcare benefit scandal, and renewed discussions about political transparency have impaired ongoing formation talks.
Is the European populist nationalist movement losing momentum?
The western rise of populist nationalism turned its head to a series of European elections in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
4 key takeaways from Davos: Mastering the 4th Industrial Revolution
The 46th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland took place last week and brought a gaggle of high-powered figures together to discuss current global challenges. Among its 2,500
