Dutch Prime Minister Steps on the Brakes in EU Recovery Fund Talks... Leading the 'Frugal Four'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] "Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, is famous for liking to ride his bicycle to work. However, in Europe, he is increasingly hitting the brakes hard." (AFP)

On the 17th and 18th (local time), for the first time in five months since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in February, the leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) member states will meet face-to-face in Brussels, Belgium. This meeting is expected to draw attention to Prime Minister Rutte's stance. The decision on whether to establish the 'EU Recovery Fund,' which the leaders will discuss, depends on his position.

Prime Minister Rutte stands at the forefront of the so-called 'Frugal Four'?the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden?who oppose the recovery fund in the form of subsidies. Convincing him at this meeting has become a mission for the EU leaders. On the 14th, three days before the meeting, Rutte reiterated his existing position, stating, "Subsidies must be made under very strict conditions," and that he cannot agree unless these countries commit to budget reforms, forecasting that reaching an agreement at this meeting will be difficult.

He is regarded as strict and resolute in all matters. An anecdote from May, when his 97-year-old mother passed away, illustrates his character. At that time, the Netherlands had imposed lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, banning personal visits to nursing homes. Adhering to these regulations, he was unable to be at his mother's deathbed in a nursing home in The Hague. Foreign media reported this in contrast to other high-ranking officials in major countries who violated self-quarantine measures.

Since taking office in October 2010, Prime Minister Rutte has been known for his tough stance on major European issues such as the Greek financial crisis and the European refugee crisis. In 2012, he opposed financial aid to Greece, and in 2015, when refugees poured into Europe through Greece, he demanded a tough response, saying, "Because there is a risk that terrorists are mixed among the refugees, all refugees are potential terrorists." AFP reported, "(At that time) Rutte's tough stance annoyed many countries in Europe," adding, "He has now been cast in the role of the villain as the unofficial leader of the Frugal Four." A Dutch diplomat explained, "He does not seem to enjoy such situations," and "He wants to be perceived as doing something better for taxpayers."

Within the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rutte's stance appears to have support. According to Politico, the support rate for the right-leaning People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), led by Rutte, was around 22% until the end of February but rose to 39% last month. In a poll conducted by Dutch media last month, more than 60% of respondents opposed the EU Commission's proposed recovery fund. This is why analysts say he cannot help but be conscious of this ahead of the general election scheduled for March next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.