UPDATE 2 - Dutch premier, government quit following dispute about migration policy

ADSS REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER

By Selman Aksunger

HAGUE, Netherlands (AA) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the resignation of his government Friday after a four-party coalition fell apart due to disagreements about migration policy.

Speaking at a news conference following a meeting between coalition parties on tightening immigration policies, Rutte said the disagreements are "irreconcilable."

He said he will immediately submit the resignation of the Cabinet to King Willem-Alexander.

More than one party disagreed about immigration policies and that immigration policies are important to residents, noted Rutte.

He said the officials will first start the process for the renewal of elections and his government will remain in office as a caretaker administration until elections.

Some opposition lawmakers expressed pleasure and called for elections as soon as possible to elect the 150-seat lower house of parliament.

The announcement by the Netherlands’ longest-serving premier came hours after reports about the collapse of the ruling coalition which failed to reach an agreement about how to deal with asylum seekers entering the country.

After days of talks between key members of the Cabinet led by Rutte, a deal was unable to be reached and the ruling coalition collapsed, NL Times reported earlier, citing a source "close to talks."

The collapse ended the fourth term of Rutte's Cabinet which was inaugurated Jan. 10, 2022.