Mark Rutte's Farewell: Dutch PM's Final Address and New Beginnings at NATO

In his final address, Dutch PM Mark Rutte urged support for Ukraine and international cooperation. As he steps down after 14 years, Rutte heads to Brussels to take on the role of NATO's next secretary-general. Rutte highlighted his country's strengths but also acknowledged past challenges during his tenure.

Long-serving Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a heartfelt appeal for continued support for Ukraine and international cooperation in his final address to the nation on Sunday. This comes as a new inward-focused government prepares to assume control of the Netherlands in two days.

“It is crucial that our country is embedded in the European Union and NATO. Together we are stronger than alone. Especially now,” said the 57-year-old Rutte from his office in The Hague.

After leading the Netherlands for 14 years, Rutte brings his expertise in consensus-building to Brussels, where he will take the helm as NATO's new secretary-general later this year. He emphasized the ongoing necessity to support Ukraine, linking it directly to peace and security in Europe. The incoming government, set to take office on Tuesday, has committed to maintaining this support. However, concerns loom as far-right populist Geert Wilders, who has shown pro-Russia sentiments, saw his party secure the largest bloc of seats in the last election.

Reflecting on his tenure, Rutte described the 2014 MH17 tragedy as the most dramatic event of his career, when a Malaysia Airlines flight was downed over Eastern Ukraine, killing all aboard, including 196 Dutch citizens. A Dutch court has since convicted two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian for their roles in the incident.

Known for his dedication and down-to-earth demeanor, highlighted by his habit of cycling to meetings, Rutte pointed out the virtues of the Netherlands in his speech. “There is no war here, you can be who you are, we are prosperous,” he stated. He also touched on the lows, such as a child benefits scandal that unfairly targeted thousands of parents. Admitting to some physical changes during his time in office, Rutte spoke candidly about the “gray hairs and wrinkles” his career has added to his appearance.