In his poignant farewell address, long-serving Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on the Netherlands to maintain its commitment to Ukraine and uphold international cooperation. Speaking from his office in The Hague, Rutte emphasized the importance of the country’s alliances as he prepares to hand over the reins to a new government.
“It is crucial that our country remains embedded in the European Union and NATO. Together we are stronger than alone. Especially now,” declared the 57-year-old leader. Rutte, who has helmed the country for 14 years, will soon transition to Brussels, where he is set to become NATO’s new secretary-general later this year.
Rutte’s speech underscored the necessity of continued support for Ukraine, highlighting the broader implications for peace and security. The incoming government has vowed to uphold this commitment, despite the far-right populist Geert Wilders’ party, which won the most seats in last year’s election, having expressed pro-Russian sentiments.
Reflecting on his tenure, Rutte described the 2014 MH17 tragedy as one of the most harrowing moments. The passenger jet, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch citizens. In 2022, a Dutch court convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian for their roles in the incident.
Known for his down-to-earth demeanor, often seen cycling to meetings, Rutte highlighted the positive aspects of Dutch society in his 12-minute address. “There is no war here, you can be who you are, we are prosperous,” he stated, while also acknowledging the challenges and low points, such as the child benefits scandal that wrongfully accused thousands of parents of fraud.
Dressed casually in a white shirt with the top buttons undone, Rutte remarked on the physical toll of his time in office, noting the “gray hairs and wrinkles” that have accumulated over the years. As he steps down, Rutte leaves behind a legacy of consensus-building and steadfast leadership, urging the Netherlands to continue its engagement with the world.
