A Pianist in Sneakers Is the New Rising Force in European Politics
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has capitalized on Brexit, formed alliances, and become a liberal voice of the continent.
Mark Rutte.
Photographer: Jasper Juinen/BloombergMark Rutte closed his eyes as tales of suffering and patience swirled around the church.
The Dutch prime minister was in the front pew of the 16th century Nieuwe Kerk in Delft, near The Hague, last month to hear St. Matthew’s Passion. The Good Friday performance of Bach’s three-hour oratorio is an annual ritual for politicians in the Netherlands and this year it fell between two crucial elections.