Mark Rutte the Dutch Prime Minister resigned on Monday after support from the far-right was withdrawn for his government. That might clear the way for earlier than normal elections in the Netherlands. Some believe the elections will be as early as this summer. Rutte’s resignation came when the talks ended with the far-right party over an austerity package equivalent to $18.6 billion.
On Tuesday, Mark Rutte, a caretaker Prime Minister appealed to a Dutch Parliament that had become polarized, to help make painful cuts to the budget rather than allow political limbo to take over until new elections could be called.
Rutte spoke for the first time publically since he resigned on Monday. He said the country, that has been long considered the most fiscally responsible in Europe, cannot not waste any time.
His 18-month conservative coalition collapsed Monday after EU limits on the budget deficit could not be reached, after it had demanded the same of other member countries. Party leaders are facing the immediate question of what budget Rutte will be allowed take to Brussels before April 30, the deadline preliminary budgets for 2013 are to be submitted.
The new budget must explain how the country will reduce its projected 2012 budget deficit of 4.6% to below the limit of 3% set by the EU.
