Netherlands

Dutch politics is marked by party fragmentation, sometimes referred to as “Dutchification.” Some argue that such fragmentation is positive, representing a more engaged electorate that votes along nuanced lines that go beyond traditional dividing lines and allowing voters to choose parties that are closer to their own specific combinations of priorities and values. Fragmentation can also be problematic because of resulting difficulty in forming majorities and seeking approvals to government proposals.

Increasing levels of political polarization also impact the Netherlands, especially regarding gender, climate change and the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some experts claim that these issues reflect public distrust of government, which is tasked with tackling crises like climate change and pandemics. Growing concern about polarization exists at the public level as well. Polarization is also especially stark with regard to cultural issues and the populist radical right.

Dutch society has a long tradition of social tolerance, with liberal views on issues such as sexual orientation and multiculturalism. Over at least the last two decades, however, an increase in the number of immigrants and concomitant fears about Dutch identity contributed to the rise of the far-right and a focus on the perceived threat of Islam. The far-reaching effects on society were captured in a 2020 report by the UN’s Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, who described the situation in the Netherlands as one in which “race, ethnicity, national origin, religion and other factors determine who is treated fully as a citizen”. At the end of 2022, a government-commissioned report found widespread racism at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as evidence of racism as a persistent problem at the societal level, prompting an apology from the Ministry’s Secretary-General.

Since 2019, some of the popularity of the anti-immigrant far-right has waned. It has been partially replaced with the recent, dramatic rise of the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), a party based in rural areas that came to power on a wave of anger at the government’s plans to cut nitrogen emissions. This election result has brought to the fore urban-rural divides and highlights the difficulties the government faces in achieving some of its goals, including with regard to fighting climate change. 

Going forward, it will be important to watch Fundamental Rights, especially as the government responds to the findings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ report on racism and in light of the ongoing work of the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism. Effective Parliament is also likely to experience changes following reforms that were implemented in the wake of the Childcare Allowance Case. Finally, it will be important to watch attempts to address polarization within society.