The race for the next Dutch Prime Minister is heating up, with Rob Jetten, leader of the centrist party D66, taking the lead in the coalition-building process. As the Netherlands navigates post-election coalition haggling, Jetten’s influence could reshape Dutch politics for years to come. Who will come out on top in this complex, multi-party negotiation process?


Centrist Rob Jetten Kicks Off Coalition Haggling 

Dick Schoof, the former head of the Dutch intelligence agency and counterterrorism office, has been proposed as the new prime minister of the Netherlands by a coalition of four right-wing parties.

Gravitas: Ex-Spy chief proposed as the next Dutch PM

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet.

He said he had been asked by the four parties that will form the new government to lead it - not only by Geert Wilders' nationalist PVV, the clear winner of the Nov. 22 election.

"I am not affiliated to any party, I am not standing here in the name of the PVV... I want to be the prime minister of all the Dutch," Schoof, who has had no previous experience in parliament or in government, told reporters.

Election winner Wilders this month reached an agreement on forming the government with three other conservative parties, after ruling himself out of the top job.

Schoof, 67, is currently the senior official at the Dutch ministry of justice, after having led the intelligence agency AIVD and anti-terrorism agency NCTV for years. He was the head of the Dutch immigration service in the early 2000s.

"I guess it will be a surprise for a lot of people that I'm standing here... It's actually also a surprise for me," he told reporters.

In its governing plan published on May 16, the coalition said it would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers, setting up a potential clash with the EU before even taking office.

Schoof will head a cabinet that the four parties have said would have looser ties to parliament. It could take weeks to put together, with the parties all negotiating over the portfolios and responsibilities.

Once he has formed a government, set to be the most right-wing in the Netherlands in decades, he will be sworn in by the king and officially become prime minister.

"Congratulations Dick. Dick Schoof has a great track record, is not a member of any party and thus stands above the parties, is honest and, on top of it, very friendly," Wilders reacted on social media X.

That government will, however, have to stick to the agreement reached by the four parties, which is aiming to secure exceptions on EU asylum and environmental rules.

"I think that, in all my positions, the common thread has always been the functioning of democratic rule of law and that will help me in my function as prime minister," Schoof said, adding that outgoing prime minister Mark Rutte is for him "a form of inspiration in the way he handles things".

Far-right leader Wilders last week said he expected the new government to be operational by end-June.

Besides his experience at the intelligence and anti-terrorism services, Schoof has also worked on reforming the police force.

Having worked mostly on domestic policies, Schoof, a divorced father of two, does not have a high international profile.

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet.

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet. He said he had been asked by the four parties that will form the new government to lead it - not only by Geert Wilders' nationalist PVV, the clear winner of the Nov. 22 election. "I am not affiliated to any party, I am not standing here in the name of the PVV... I want to be the prime minister of all the Dutch," Schoof, who has had no previous experience in parliament or in government, told reporters. Election winner Wilders this month reached an agreement on forming the government with three other conservative parties, after ruling himself out of the top job. Schoof, 67, is currently the senior official at the Dutch ministry of justice, after having led the intelligence agency AIVD and anti-terrorism agency NCTV for years. He was the head of the Dutch immigration service in the early 2000s. "I guess it will be a surprise for a lot of people that I'm standing here... It's actually also a surprise for me," he told reporters. In its governing plan published on May 16, the coalition said it would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers, setting up a potential clash with the EU before even taking office. Schoof will head a cabinet that the four parties have said would have looser ties to parliament. It could take weeks to put together, with the parties all negotiating over the portfolios and responsibilities. Once he has formed a government, set to be the most right-wing in the Netherlands in decades, he will be sworn in by the king and officially become prime minister. "Congratulations Dick. Dick Schoof has a great track record, is not a member of any party and thus stands above the parties, is honest and, on top of it, very friendly," Wilders reacted on social media X. That government will, however, have to stick to the agreement reached by the four parties, which is aiming to secure exceptions on EU asylum and environmental rules. "I think that, in all my positions, the common thread has always been the functioning of democratic rule of law and that will help me in my function as prime minister," Schoof said, adding that outgoing prime minister Mark Rutte is for him "a form of inspiration in the way he handles things". Far-right leader Wilders last week said he expected the new government to be operational by end-June. Besides his experience at the intelligence and anti-terrorism services, Schoof has also worked on reforming the police force. Having worked mostly on domestic policies, Schoof, a divorced father of two, does not have a high international profile.

Former intelligence chief Dick Schoof proposed as Dutch PM

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet.

He said he had been asked by the four parties that will form the new government to lead it - not only by Geert Wilders' nationalist PVV, the clear winner of the November&nbsp;22 election.

"I am not affiliated to any party, I am not standing here in the name of the PVV... I want to be the prime minister of all the Dutch," Schoof, who has had no previous experience in parliament or in government, told reporters.

WATCH |&nbsp;Geert Wilders: The new face of far-right Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-geert-wilders-the-new-face-of-far-right-europe-722649/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Election winner Wilders this month reached an agreement on forming the government with three other conservative parties, after ruling himself out of the top job.

Schoof, 67, is currently the senior official at the Dutch ministry of justice, after having led the intelligence agency AIVD and anti-terrorism agency NCTV for years. He was the head of the Dutch immigration service in the early 2000s.

"I guess it will be a surprise for a lot of people that I'm standing here... It's actually also a surprise for me," he told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-politician-wilders-says-he-is-ready-to-forego-job-of-prime-minister-699918">Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister</a>

In its governing plan published on May 16, the coalition said it would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers, setting up a potential clash with the EU before even taking office.

Schoof will head a cabinet that the four parties have said would have looser ties to parliament. It could take weeks to put together, with the parties all negotiating over the portfolios and responsibilities.

Once he has formed a government, set to be the most right-wing in the Netherlands in decades, he will be sworn in by the king and officially become prime minister.

"Congratulations Dick. Dick Schoof has a great track record, is not a member of any party and thus stands above the parties, is honest and, on top of it, very friendly," Wilders reacted on social media X.

That government will, however, have to stick to the agreement reached by the four parties, which is aiming to secure exceptions on EU asylum and environmental rules.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-as-opposition-controlled-taiwan-parliament-pushes-pro-china-reforms-726406">Protests erupt as opposition-controlled Taiwan parliament pushes pro-China&nbsp;‘reforms’</a>

"I think that, in all my positions, the common thread has always been the functioning of democratic rule of law and that will help me in my function as prime minister," Schoof said, adding that outgoing prime minister Mark Rutte is for him "a form of inspiration in the way he handles things".

Far-right leader Wilders last week said he expected the new government to be operational by June-end.

Besides his experience at the intelligence and anti-terrorism services, Schoof has also worked on reforming the police force.

Having worked mostly on domestic policies, Schoof, a divorced father of two, does not have a high international profile.

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet. He said he had been asked by the four parties that will form the new government to lead it - not only by Geert Wilders' nationalist PVV, the clear winner of the November 22 election. "I am not affiliated to any party, I am not standing here in the name of the PVV... I want to be the prime minister of all the Dutch," Schoof, who has had no previous experience in parliament or in government, told reporters. WATCH | Geert Wilders: The new face of far-right Europe Election winner Wilders this month reached an agreement on forming the government with three other conservative parties, after ruling himself out of the top job. Schoof, 67, is currently the senior official at the Dutch ministry of justice, after having led the intelligence agency AIVD and anti-terrorism agency NCTV for years. He was the head of the Dutch immigration service in the early 2000s. "I guess it will be a surprise for a lot of people that I'm standing here... It's actually also a surprise for me," he told reporters. Also Read | Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister In its governing plan published on May 16, the coalition said it would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers, setting up a potential clash with the EU before even taking office. Schoof will head a cabinet that the four parties have said would have looser ties to parliament. It could take weeks to put together, with the parties all negotiating over the portfolios and responsibilities. Once he has formed a government, set to be the most right-wing in the Netherlands in decades, he will be sworn in by the king and officially become prime minister. "Congratulations Dick. Dick Schoof has a great track record, is not a member of any party and thus stands above the parties, is honest and, on top of it, very friendly," Wilders reacted on social media X. That government will, however, have to stick to the agreement reached by the four parties, which is aiming to secure exceptions on EU asylum and environmental rules. Also Read | Protests erupt as opposition-controlled Taiwan parliament pushes pro-China ‘reforms’ "I think that, in all my positions, the common thread has always been the functioning of democratic rule of law and that will help me in my function as prime minister," Schoof said, adding that outgoing prime minister Mark Rutte is for him "a form of inspiration in the way he handles things". Far-right leader Wilders last week said he expected the new government to be operational by June-end. Besides his experience at the intelligence and anti-terrorism services, Schoof has also worked on reforming the police force. Having worked mostly on domestic policies, Schoof, a divorced father of two, does not have a high international profile.

Former intelligence chief Dick Schoof proposed as next Dutch PM

Dutch politician Geert Wilders said on Wednesday he was ready to forego the job of prime minister in an effort to facilitate the formation of a new right-wing government, nearly four months after an election in which his party won most votes.

Wilders has been in talks with potential allies since the&nbsp;Nov. 22 election&nbsp;-- more than 100 days -- but they have borne no fruit. A negotiator appointed to assist in the process is due to report to parliament on his findings on Thursday.

"I can only become the prime minister if ALL the parties in the coalition supported it. That was not the case," Wilders said in a statement on social media platform X.

"I really want a right ( wing ) cabinet. Less asylum and immigration... Love for my country and the voters is big and more important than my own position."

Dutch national broadcaster NOS had earlier reported that Wilders was prepared to give up his hopes of becoming prime minister as he struggles to form a viable government.

Citing political sources in The Hague, NOS said Wilders' Freedom Party and three other conservative parties attempting to form a right-wing coalition were weighing a scenario in which the party leaders would remain in parliament and not join the new government.

In that scenario, known as an "extra-parliamentary" cabinet, politicians and experts not considered closely allied to any of the parties would be appointed to top government posts and work closely with parliament.

Wilders said on Feb. 14 he was willing to consider "all options" to form a government, a minority government or an "extraparliamentary" government, rather than call new elections.

&nbsp;

Dutch politician Geert Wilders said on Wednesday he was ready to forego the job of prime minister in an effort to facilitate the formation of a new right-wing government, nearly four months after an election in which his party won most votes.

Dutch politician Geert Wilders said on Wednesday he was ready to forego the job of prime minister in an effort to facilitate the formation of a new right-wing government, nearly four months after an election in which his party won most votes. Wilders has been in talks with potential allies since the Nov. 22 election -- more than 100 days -- but they have borne no fruit. A negotiator appointed to assist in the process is due to report to parliament on his findings on Thursday. "I can only become the prime minister if ALL the parties in the coalition supported it. That was not the case," Wilders said in a statement on social media platform X. "I really want a right ( wing ) cabinet. Less asylum and immigration... Love for my country and the voters is big and more important than my own position." Dutch national broadcaster NOS had earlier reported that Wilders was prepared to give up his hopes of becoming prime minister as he struggles to form a viable government. Citing political sources in The Hague, NOS said Wilders' Freedom Party and three other conservative parties attempting to form a right-wing coalition were weighing a scenario in which the party leaders would remain in parliament and not join the new government. In that scenario, known as an "extra-parliamentary" cabinet, politicians and experts not considered closely allied to any of the parties would be appointed to top government posts and work closely with parliament. Wilders said on Feb. 14 he was willing to consider "all options" to form a government, a minority government or an "extraparliamentary" government, rather than call new elections.

Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister

Geert Wilders of the populist Party for Freedom (PVV) stands on the precipice of becoming the Dutch prime minister. Wilders has been sweeping all exit polls and looks certain to take former PM Mark Rutte's position after the latter resigned in July earlier this year.

Geert Wilders of the populist Party for Freedom (PVV) stands on the precipice of becoming the Dutch prime minister. Wilders has been sweeping all exit polls and looks certain to take former PM Mark Rutte's position after the latter resigned in July earlier this year. Known for his anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance, Wilders was one of the few international leaders to come in defence of Indian political leader Nupur Sharma when she made comments on Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate last year. Sharma, belonging to the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), was condemned by the entire Muslim world, including the Gulf nations. Such was the retaliation against Sharma that she received death threats, forcing her to not only release an apology but also retreat from active public life. Wilders hailed Sharma as a hero and batted for her to receive the Nobel Prize. "Nupur Sharma is a hero who spoke nothing but the truth. The whole world should be proud of her. She deserves the Nobel Prize. And India is a Hindu nation, the Indian government is obliged to strongly defend Hindus against Islamic hate and violence," Wilders posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. In an interview with India Today, Wilders also criticised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for releasing a statement that slammed India over Sharma's remarks. "I would say look at yourself in the mirror before you decide what you think about India or any other country. The OIC released a declaration about human rights and all these nations are attacking India. They put Sharia law above democracy and human rights," said Wilders. He said the OIC countries were the most intolerant nations having the worst records on human rights. "If you are a minority in those countries, you are persecuted and taken to jail. You lose freedom. India is a sovereign nation. We should not allow being lectured by them," he added. Akin to Sharma, Wilders has also received death threats for his largely anti-Islam views. As an opposition leader, he is heavily protected by the police and could see his security blanket increase if and when he takes oath as the PM. Also read | Geert Wilders bags stunning victory in Dutch elections, suggests exit poll Wilders hailed scrapping of Article 370 and 35A Apart from supporting Sharma, Wilders also hailed the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. "India is a full democracy. Pakistan is a 100% terror state. So the choice is easy. Welcome home #Kashmir. #IndiaForKashmir," Wilders posted. In an interview with WION, Wilders said the Article was only a temporary move and thus scrapping it was the right call that should be supported by the Western world. "The decision to revoke Article 370 and 35 by the Indian government is the country's matter. I believe that the Western world should support India because its Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament earlier this week that democracy was never fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir under the Article," said Wilders. "That is why I say welcome home Kashmir. Those regions and people will develop more under Indian control rather than under the influence of the terror regime in Islamabad. India is our friend and we should support our friend," he added. Watch | The Netherlands to get first new prime minister in 13 years × What does the far-right leader want to achieve? According to exit polls, Wilders’ PVV won 35 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, more than double the 17 he won at the last election. The main focus of Wilders' election campaign was to put a pause on immigration, with suggested moves like border closures and deporting illegal immigrants. "The Dutch hope that the people can get their country back and that we will ensure that the tsunami of asylum-seekers and immigration is reduced," Wilders said in his victory speech. Wilders has previously called Prophet Mohammad a "paedophile", Islam a "fascist ideology" and a "backward religion". (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Geert Wilders, the soon-to-be Dutch PM who supported Nupur Sharma and scrapping Article 370

As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;Netherlands prime minister is accompanied by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Liesje Schreinemacher.&nbsp;Rutte on Friday morning visited the Wall of Memory in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital and laid a wreath to honour the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

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This is the second time the prime minister is visiting Ukraine, the last being in July last year when&nbsp;he visited Borodjanka, Boetsja, and Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv.&nbsp;

In a joint conference with Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has a "common understanding with the Netherlands that there should not be any taboo on the supply and support of weapons to our army, to our Ukraine, because it supports and protects our sovereignty."&nbsp;

Earlier this month, some members of the Dutch Parliament visited the Ukrainian capital where they discussed the security situation with the government officials.&nbsp;

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Netherlands Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, in a statement last month, pledged cooperation with the US and Germany to support Ukraine with the Patriot defence system.&nbsp;

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He also added that a total of 65 Dutch soldiers will train Ukrainian soldiers on the system. The defence support to Ukraine was also vowed by Dutch PM Rutte at the time when he met US President Joe Biden at White House last month.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Netherlands prime minister is accompanied by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Liesje Schreinemacher. Rutte on Friday morning visited the Wall of Memory in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital and laid a wreath to honour the fallen defenders of Ukraine. Also Read | The real reason why Microsoft-backed OpenAI developing customisable ChatGPT This is the second time the prime minister is visiting Ukraine, the last being in July last year when he visited Borodjanka, Boetsja, and Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv. In a joint conference with Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has a "common understanding with the Netherlands that there should not be any taboo on the supply and support of weapons to our army, to our Ukraine, because it supports and protects our sovereignty." Earlier this month, some members of the Dutch Parliament visited the Ukrainian capital where they discussed the security situation with the government officials. Also Read | 'Why Poland?': Belarusian president invites Biden to Minsk instead, to 'end the war' Netherlands Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, in a statement last month, pledged cooperation with the US and Germany to support Ukraine with the Patriot defence system. Watch | Japan: Rocket boosters fail to fire, resulting in cancellation of launch He also added that a total of 65 Dutch soldiers will train Ukrainian soldiers on the system. The defence support to Ukraine was also vowed by Dutch PM Rutte at the time when he met US President Joe Biden at White House last month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dutch PM visits Kyiv, meets Zelensky as Russia-Ukraine war nears one-year mark

Dutch police said they were investigating a terrorist motive for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-at-several-locations-in-hollands-utrecht-city-counter-terrorism-agency-204108">Utrecht tram attack</a>, as they arrested a new suspect on Tuesday over the deadly shooting.

Authorities said they had found a suspicious letter in a getaway car used by Turkish-born main suspect Gokmen Tanis, 37, which made them "seriously" consider terrorism might have been involved in Monday's rampage in which three people were killed and seven injured.

Armed counter-terrorism officers meanwhile arrested one new suspect, aged 40, in Utrecht who was "suspected of being involved in the shooting incident", prosecutors said, adding that his "role was being further investigated."&nbsp;

Two other men who were arrested Monday in connection with the shooting had been released, prosecutors added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte earlier in the day laid flowers for the victims at the scene of the attack and said he was "still filled with horror" by the bloodshed.

"So far, a terrorist motive is seriously being taken into account. This is based on a letter found in the getaway car among other things and the nature of the facts," Dutch police and prosecutors said in a joint statement.

Apparently ruling out reports that the shooting was due to a family dispute, the statement added: "Our investigation has established no link between the main suspect and the victims."&nbsp;

The three people who died in the shooting were a 19-year-old woman from Vianen, south of Utrecht, and two men aged 28 and 49 from Utrecht itself, the statement said.

Armed police captured Tanis after an eight-hour manhunt that virtually shut down the Netherlands' fourth largest city and saw security stepped up at airports and key sites across the country.

'Filled with horror' 
Police said they found a red Renault Clio that the suspect had carjacked before the attack and used as a getaway car afterwards. They had also found a firearm after his arrest.

Tanis is expected to appear before a judge later this week in a closed-door hearing after which he most likely will be remanded in custody.

A stream of mourners laid flowers on Tuesday at the site of the attack near the 24 Oktoberplein square.

"One of the victims was my friend's girlfriend. So coming here today was the least I could do," Marco van Rooijen, 43, told AFP.

The attack raised security fears ahead of Wednesday's provincial elections in the Netherlands. Populist and far-right parties have seized on the attack to push their agenda for the polls but Rutte has remained restrained.

"A day later, I am still filled with horror," Rutte told parliament.&nbsp;

"There are still many questions about the motive, and the police and prosecutors still have to do a lot of work. But there is no doubt that the impact was huge."

Flags were flying half-mast on many buildings around the Netherlands and on foreign embassies.

Public transport was running again after forensic police finished their investigations at the scene and removed the tram on which the shooting erupted.

'Completely mad' 
But there was also growing anger after it emerged that the suspect had only been freed from jail in a rape case two weeks ago.

Tanis was originally arrested in 2017 then released from pre-trial detention, before being taken back into custody when he breached his bail conditions, the central Netherlands district court said.&nbsp;

He was freed again at the start of March.

In 2014, he was also convicted of "illegal possession of weapons" and attempted theft but acquitted of attempted manslaughter. He was also convicted in recent months for shoplifting and burglary.

Broadcaster NOS meanwhile said some of his relatives had links to fundamentalist Islamic groups, but also that he was known for unstable behaviour after divorcing his wife two years ago.

A woman involved in the rape case told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper: "He is completely mad and uses drugs. I have previously warned the police against him. He's not a terrorist but a psychopath."

Support for the Netherlands poured in from around the world, including the United States, the EU and Russia.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "America stands with you. We will continue to do all we can to help you in this terrible time of tragedy."&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country's intelligence agency was "looking into" the attack.&nbsp;

Dutch police said they were investigating a terrorist motive for the Utrecht tram attack, as they arrested a new suspect on Tuesday over the deadly shooting. Authorities said they had found a suspicious letter in a getaway car used by Turkish-born main suspect Gokmen Tanis, 37, which made them "seriously" consider terrorism might have been involved in Monday's rampage in which three people were killed and seven injured.

Dutch police said they were investigating a terrorist motive for the Utrecht tram attack, as they arrested a new suspect on Tuesday over the deadly shooting. Authorities said they had found a suspicious letter in a getaway car used by Turkish-born main suspect Gokmen Tanis, 37, which made them "seriously" consider terrorism might have been involved in Monday's rampage in which three people were killed and seven injured. Armed counter-terrorism officers meanwhile arrested one new suspect, aged 40, in Utrecht who was "suspected of being involved in the shooting incident", prosecutors said, adding that his "role was being further investigated." Two other men who were arrested Monday in connection with the shooting had been released, prosecutors added. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte earlier in the day laid flowers for the victims at the scene of the attack and said he was "still filled with horror" by the bloodshed. "So far, a terrorist motive is seriously being taken into account. This is based on a letter found in the getaway car among other things and the nature of the facts," Dutch police and prosecutors said in a joint statement. Apparently ruling out reports that the shooting was due to a family dispute, the statement added: "Our investigation has established no link between the main suspect and the victims." The three people who died in the shooting were a 19-year-old woman from Vianen, south of Utrecht, and two men aged 28 and 49 from Utrecht itself, the statement said. Armed police captured Tanis after an eight-hour manhunt that virtually shut down the Netherlands' fourth largest city and saw security stepped up at airports and key sites across the country. 'Filled with horror' Police said they found a red Renault Clio that the suspect had carjacked before the attack and used as a getaway car afterwards. They had also found a firearm after his arrest. Tanis is expected to appear before a judge later this week in a closed-door hearing after which he most likely will be remanded in custody. A stream of mourners laid flowers on Tuesday at the site of the attack near the 24 Oktoberplein square. "One of the victims was my friend's girlfriend. So coming here today was the least I could do," Marco van Rooijen, 43, told AFP. The attack raised security fears ahead of Wednesday's provincial elections in the Netherlands. Populist and far-right parties have seized on the attack to push their agenda for the polls but Rutte has remained restrained. "A day later, I am still filled with horror," Rutte told parliament. "There are still many questions about the motive, and the police and prosecutors still have to do a lot of work. But there is no doubt that the impact was huge." Flags were flying half-mast on many buildings around the Netherlands and on foreign embassies. Public transport was running again after forensic police finished their investigations at the scene and removed the tram on which the shooting erupted. 'Completely mad' But there was also growing anger after it emerged that the suspect had only been freed from jail in a rape case two weeks ago. Tanis was originally arrested in 2017 then released from pre-trial detention, before being taken back into custody when he breached his bail conditions, the central Netherlands district court said. He was freed again at the start of March. In 2014, he was also convicted of "illegal possession of weapons" and attempted theft but acquitted of attempted manslaughter. He was also convicted in recent months for shoplifting and burglary. Broadcaster NOS meanwhile said some of his relatives had links to fundamentalist Islamic groups, but also that he was known for unstable behaviour after divorcing his wife two years ago. A woman involved in the rape case told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper: "He is completely mad and uses drugs. I have previously warned the police against him. He's not a terrorist but a psychopath." Support for the Netherlands poured in from around the world, including the United States, the EU and Russia. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "America stands with you. We will continue to do all we can to help you in this terrible time of tragedy." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country's intelligence agency was "looking into" the attack.

Dutch tram shooting: Police arrest new suspect, continue to suspect terror motive

Dutch PM: 'very worried' after Utrecht shooting

Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, has been praised for taking the time to clear up his own coffee spill.

He was filmed knocking the hot drink over as he went through security barriers at the Dutch parliament.

Mark Rutte, who has led the Netherlands since 2010, perhaps conscious he was on camera, went to lengths to find a mop and clean the mess up.

He was applauded by cleaning personnel before they showed him how to adjust the mop’s height to suit the tall prime minister.

This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit.

In October 2017, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte became an instant legend, as he cycled to the Royal Palace to meet King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
? 
 
Question: what would the president or prime minister of your country do if he/she would accidentally drop a cup of coffee? ☕️ 
 
I am proud of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> ?? 
 
And this is not just because it is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEnvironmentDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEnvironmentDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/AQWn002HlD">pic.twitter.com/AQWn002HlD</a>
— Alexander Verbeek ? (@Alex_Verbeek) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alex_Verbeek/status/1004044288890757125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit.

Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, has been praised for taking the time to clear up his own coffee spill. He was filmed knocking the hot drink over as he went through security barriers at the Dutch parliament. Mark Rutte, who has led the Netherlands since 2010, perhaps conscious he was on camera, went to lengths to find a mop and clean the mess up. He was applauded by cleaning personnel before they showed him how to adjust the mop’s height to suit the tall prime minister. This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit. In October 2017, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte became an instant legend, as he cycled to the Royal Palace to meet King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. ? Question: what would the president or prime minister of your country do if he/she would accidentally drop a cup of coffee? ☕️ I am proud of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte @MinPres ?? And this is not just because it is #WorldEnvironmentDay pic.twitter.com/AQWn002HlD — Alexander Verbeek ? (@Alex_Verbeek) June 5, 2018 ×

Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has cut short his visit to India and returning to the Netherlands tonight, official sources told PTI.

Rutte arrived in India today on a two-day visit.&nbsp;

Reports said the Dutch PM was returning home after investigators concluded the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 which was downed in Ukraine in 2014 was hit by missile from a Russian military unit.

The plane which had 298 people on board crashed into a territory held by pro-Russian separatists. Two-thirds of the passengers in the flight were Dutch. There were no survivors.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rutte had held delegation-level talks to step up economic and political ties between the two countries.

The Dutch PM was scheduled to visit Bengaluru on Thursday night&nbsp;to attend programmes there on Friday.&nbsp;

(with PTI inputs)

The Dutch Prime Minister is returning to his country due to some urgent reasons, the sources said.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has cut short his visit to India and returning to the Netherlands tonight, official sources told PTI. Rutte arrived in India today on a two-day visit. Reports said the Dutch PM was returning home after investigators concluded the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 which was downed in Ukraine in 2014 was hit by missile from a Russian military unit. The plane which had 298 people on board crashed into a territory held by pro-Russian separatists. Two-thirds of the passengers in the flight were Dutch. There were no survivors. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rutte had held delegation-level talks to step up economic and political ties between the two countries. The Dutch PM was scheduled to visit Bengaluru on Thursday night to attend programmes there on Friday. (with PTI inputs)

Dutch PM Rutte cuts short India visit, to return home

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