Demissionair premier Mark Rutte: A Look into His Salary and Political Career

Introduction

Demissionair premier Mark Rutte’s decision to step down from politics marks the end of an impressive 13-year tenure as the leader of the Netherlands. With 17 years as the leader of the VVD party, Rutte’s departure has garnered mixed reactions. Despite this, it is intriguing to delve into the salary structure of a Dutch premier and explore the income Rutte will forego after his resignation.

How Much Does Mark Rutte Earn?

The salary of the Dutch prime minister is substantial. On an annual basis, the premier earns a gross income of €186,414, including 8% vacation pay and an end-of-year bonus of 8.4%. Whether one holds the position of prime minister or a minister, the net earnings remain the same. This translates to a weekly salary of €3,584 or approximately €510 per day. After his resignation, Rutte will bid farewell to this generous income.

Additional Benefits

In addition to his salary, Rutte enjoys certain perks outlined in the “voorzieningenbesluit.” These benefits include the provision of a chauffeur-driven vehicle. Moreover, ministers receive a monthly expense allowance ranging from €400 to €800, depending on their role. Rutte, being the prime minister, is entitled to the highest expense allowance, totaling an extra €9,500 per year. Over his 13-month tenure as prime minister, Rutte has earned a minimum of €2.4 million in total income.

The Asylum Policy That Broke Rutte’s Cabinet

Rutte’s last cabinet faced its downfall due to disagreements within the coalition regarding the asylum policy. The parties failed to reach a compromise on temporarily suspending family reunification during peak periods. The Christian Union, one of the smaller coalition parties, initiated the collapse of the government. The coalition partners disagreed with Rutte’s decision to set a deadline for resolving such a sensitive issue. This is not the first time a cabinet led by Rutte has fallen. Kabinet-Rutte III collapsed two months before the start of the general elections due to the childcare benefits scandal. Kabinet-Rutte I also experienced a collapsed government after weeks of closed-door discussions.

Conclusion

As Mark Rutte concludes his political career, the topic of his salary and his tenure as prime minister becomes significant. From his substantial income as a premier to the controversies that led to his cabinet’s demise, Rutte’s contribution to Dutch politics will be remembered. The impact and legacy he leaves behind will be subject to debate and reflection. Only time will reveal the full extent of his influence and the mark he has made on the Netherlands.