Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s fragile coalition is at risk of collapse due to internal disputes over refugee policy, several local media reported on Thursday, as quoted by AFP and Agerpres.

Nicknamed “Teflon” for his ability to stay in power for 12 years despite scandals, making him the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, Mark Rutte led a fourth coalition government in January 2022 after record negotiations in 271 days.

But the prime minister, from the liberal right-wing VVD party, is now holding emergency talks with other parties in his right-wing and centre-right coalition, proposing a series of measures that divide them over the reception of asylum seekers. .

“The fall of the government appears to be imminent,” public broadcaster NOS said on its website Thursday, saying Prime Minister Mark Rutte had entered into a “confrontation” with his government partners and citing anonymous sources. , close to the case. .

Prime Minister Mark Rutte wants a monthly quota for refugee children

The head of government is asking the other three parties of the ruling coalition – the Christian Democrats of the CDA, the liberal centrists of the D66 and the small Protestant group ChritenUnie – to accept the establishment of a quota for the number of children from the conflict. zones that can receive asylum in the Netherlands.

Refugees already settled in the Netherlands will no longer be allowed to bring their children if the monthly quota of 200 children is already reached, he demanded.

“According to Rutte, if the project is not implemented, the VVD will leave the government,” reports the national daily NRC. “This is confirmed by several sources in the government,” he adds.

Decisive negotiations, then a possible vote at the government meeting on Friday

But two more flexible immigration parties, ChristenUnie and D66, opposed the project.

“Sources at ChristenUnie and D66 say that they are absolutely ready to make more efforts to bring about an overhaul of the immigration system, but it appears that Rutte is voluntarily taking a break,” writes NOS.

Rutte made the comments Wednesday night during a meeting with several of his ministers from the four parties.

Coalition members are due to meet again on Thursday evening for crucial talks, with a possible vote during the council of ministers on Friday, Dutch media reported.