The ruling Dutch coalition has collapsed after tense talks among the four parties in Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling bloc failed to broker a deal over ways to rein in migration. A senior member of Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy stated that it is a "great shame" that the government has fallen. The failure of the talks could now lead to a general election. Rutte's Cabinet gathered for a meeting following the collapse, and opposition lawmakers wasted no time in calling for fresh elections. Rutte, the Netherlands' longest-serving premier, presided over late-night meetings but was unable to result in a deal. The issue of migration has caused ideological divisions within the coalition, with some parties advocating for stricter measures and others opposing a crackdown. The coalition had been trying for months to reach a deal on reducing the flow of new migrants arriving in the country. The collapse of the ruling coalition could have significant implications for Dutch politics and the future direction of the country.

Sources:

- Mike Corder, Associated Press

- The Hague (AFP)

- Dutch government collapses over migration row, AFP

- World, AP News