Mark Rutte

The Youth Organisation Freedom and Democracy the VVD's youth wing of which he had been chairperson also backed him. 2006 Dutch general election
For the Dutch general election 2006 the VVD campaign with Rutte as leader did not get off to a good start. His youthful appearance has been likened to the successful former leader of the Labour Party Wouter Bos.

After a long formation period Rutte became Prime Minister and formed a Cabinet. On 5 November 2012 the Second Rutte cabinet was installed by Queen Beatrix. At the 2006 general election the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy under Rutte lost six seats and he became opposition leader.