Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands has resigned due to irreconcilable differences within the ruling coalition regarding immigration policy. The collapse of the government will lead to new general elections later this year. Rutte, who has served as the nation's premier for the longest period in its history, stated that the coalition partners had vastly different views on migration policy, ultimately making it impossible to continue governing together.

Opposition lawmakers quickly called for fresh elections following Rutte's resignation. The crisis stems from the conservative VVD party's push to limit asylum seekers' influx, which two of the four-party coalition partners refused to support. Rutte's attempts to reduce the inflow of asylum seekers were met with resistance, given that the Netherlands already has one of Europe's toughest immigration policies.

Migration is a contentious issue across Europe, given the ongoing conflicts and the desire to control the flow of newcomers. The Dutch government's collapse highlights the deep ideological divisions within the country and foreshadows the role migration will play in the upcoming European Union parliamentary elections. Dutch citizens are torn between their long-standing tradition of welcoming international outreach and growing resistance to foreign influences.