AMSTERDAM, July 7 (Reuters) - The Dutch government on Friday collapsed after failing to reach a deal on restricting immigration, junior coalition partner Christian Union said, a move expected to trigger new elections in the fall.
Therefore they decided to end this government," party spokesman Tim Kuijsten said, confirming media reports that Prime Minister Mark Rutte would tender the resignation of his government.
The Netherlands already has a one of Europe's toughest immigration policies but under the pressure of right-wing parties, Rutte had for months been trying to seek ways to further reduce the inflow of asylum seekers.
He promised to improve conditions at the facilities, mainly by reducing the number of refugees that reach the Netherlands.
Rutte, 56, is the longest-serving government leader in Dutch history and the most senior in the EU after Hungary's Viktor Orban.
Persons:
Tim Kuijsten, Mark Rutte, Rutte, Kajsa Ollongren, Hungary's Viktor Orban, Bart Meijer, Anthony Deutsch, Stephanie van den, Sandra Maler
Organizations:
Christian Union, Defence, Frontieres, Thomson
Locations:
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands