Dutch PM is to step down before election

Amsterdam - Prime Minister Wim Kok is to quit as Labour party leader and will not run for a third term in next May's election…

Amsterdam - Prime Minister Wim Kok is to quit as Labour party leader and will not run for a third term in next May's election.

Mr Kok (62) endorsed parliamentary party chief Mr Ad Melkert as his chosen successor as Labour leader yesterday. The former trade unionist has headed a three-way coalition of Labour, free marketeers VVD and the centre-left D66 during seven years of Dutch economic growth. Mr Kok has served as Labour leader since 1986.

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