Dutch government collapses over migration row

AMSTERDAM - The Dutch government has collapsed.

Mark Rutte's government resigned on Friday over insurmountable differences about measures to curb migration.

This followed crisis talks between four coalition parties which dead-locked.

Rutte is Netherland's longest-serving leader and reportedly demanded that the number of relatives of war refugees allowed into the Netherlands be capped at 200 per month.

"It is no secret that the coalition partners have very different views on migration policy," Rutte, the leader of the centre-right VVD party, told a press conference after talks broke down.

"This evening, we have unfortunately reached the conclusion that the differences are insurmountable. For this reason, I will shortly present my written resignation to the king in the name of the whole government."

The country will hold elections in November. 

- Additional reporting AFP