The end of an era. This is how first-year Public Administration student Bob (19) at Tilburg University calls the announced political end of Mark Rutte as VVD leader. Together with three fellow students, we look back on his career.
Rutte was leader of the VVD for 17 years. Of which he completed 13 as (outgoing) prime minister. But today he announced his political end.
While he was doing that, it was virtually extinct at the Faculty of Public Administration in Tilburg University. The vacation has just begun. Veerle, Bob, Amke and Femke were the only students on the fifth floor evaluating the academic year. A thorough evaluation of the Rutte era was of course essential.
“When Jan Peter Balkenende was prime minister, we were very small. So we didn’t get much of that,” says Femke (22). She has been studying public administration in Tilburg for some time now. “Rutte has worked very hard, but it is also time for someone else. It is strange that someone can occupy that chair for so long.”
“I doubt they can restore confidence.”
Whether a new wind will blow is the big question. Who will take over Rutte’s role? “The BBB has grown rapidly, but they have little administrative experience, so that is very exciting,” says Veerle (22). According to Amke (18), the main thing that needs to be done is building trust in politics. “I wonder if the BBB, when they grow up, can also fulfill the wishes of the voters. I doubt if they can restore confidence,” she says.
The foursome are united about Rutte’s legacy. “He has a lot of international experience and he really put us on the map as a small country,” says Femke. And Bob says: “Rutte is also in the collective memory of our generation. Despite the fact that there was a lot of criticism of politics, Rutte managed to get a lot of votes time and time again.”
“A political party is also necessary for some young people
According to Veerle, that is special. “I sometimes give Rutte a rest. He has worked for our country for so long and because he has no wife and children, his life revolves around politics. His work is his passion. He has only worked for the Netherlands and I think that is very nice on him.”
With the fall of the Rutte 4 cabinet and the announcement that he is stepping down, we are once again heading for national elections. “I think social media will play an important role among young people during the upcoming elections. Some parties are very active in this and they are also seeking cooperation with influencers. A political party must also cool to vote for,” says Femke. “Without knowing what that party actually stands for.”
And what about the premiership? According to Amke, the future prime minister is not only concerned with his or her own interests. But also think about the family. “With the threats against politicians, they also have to think about the fate of their children.” Partly for this reason, Femke is curious whether the frequently threatened Sigrid Kaag (D66) will maintain her ambition to become prime minister.