1st LD writethru : Dutch PM announces departure from politics

THE HAGUE, July 10 (Xinhua)

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced his departure from politics on Monday after his fourth government collapsed last week.

In a brief statement prior to the debate on the fall of the government in The Hague, Rutte stated he will no longer be available as leader of his People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) in the next elections, adding that he intends to stay on as "demissionary" prime minister until a new government is formed.

"There has been speculation in recent days about what would motivate me," Rutte said. "The only answer is the Netherlands. My position is completely subordinate to that. On Sunday I decided that I will not be available as a leader for the VVD in the upcoming elections."

The elections will likely take place in November this year, according to local media.

Rutte has been the prime minister of the Netherlands since 2010. His fourth government fell on Friday due to a dispute over migration.

The debate on the fall of the government in the House of Representatives in The Hague will continue as scheduled for Monday. If Rutte survives this debate, he will serve as "demissionary" prime minister until a new government is formed after the elections.

Courtesy ; Xinhua