Dutch PM Rutte survives no-confidence vote despite censure

Chances of forming a new government dealt a serious blow after parliament accused him of not telling the truth about formation of cabinet.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s chances of forming a new government were dealt a serious blow on Friday, as parliament passed a formal motion of disapproval, saying he had not told the truth about remarks made during government formation talks. However, legislators narrowly failed to pass a no-confidence motion which would have forced Rutte to resign. “Parliament has given me a serious message and I will try my very best to win back confidence”, Rutte told reporters after the debate. It was not clear when and in what form government formation talks would resume.