Netherlands
The Netherlands is a high-performing democracy, exhibiting high levels of performance across all attributes of the Global State of Democracy Indices (GSoDI). Over the past five years, it has only seen a notable decline in the Effective Parliament sub-attribute (which still remains in the high-performing range). Shortcomings in parliamentary scrutiny, particularly in the Childcare Allowance Case (known as “toeslagenaffaire”), may have contributed to this decline. The Netherlands is home to various intergovernmental organizations and international courts in The Hague, which is regarded as an international symbol for peace and justice. The country has a highly competitive and developed economy with low rates of unemployment.
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.
Monthly Event Reports
August 2023 | Far-right Dutch Pegida leader desecrates Quran in The Hague
Following the Quran desecrations in Denmark and Sweden, the far-right Dutch Pegida leader, Edwin Wagensveld, tore up a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in The Hague. A counter-protest organised by the DENK political party to condemn Wagensveld’s actions took place simultaneously. Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz declared that she personally thinks the act is ‘primitive and sad,’ but added that it’s a freedom allowed in the country. The minister also cautioned that the act could lead to an increased terror threat, as seen in Sweden. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has summoned the Dutch deputy ambassador to condemn the act. Wagensveld has provoked protests in the past as well, when he tore up a copy of the Quran and referred to it as a “fascist book”, a remark for which he has yet to appear in court for hate speech.
July 2023 | Government collapses amid migration row
Mark Rutte, the longest-serving Prime Minister in the Netherlands, resigned on 8 July due to irreconcilable differences in opinion between the coalition parties on migration policy. Of the four parties in the 18-month-old coalition, Rutte’s Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy and the Christian Democrats supported a stricter approach compared to D66 and the Christian Union (ChristenUnie). Specific issues debated included whether the rights of family members to join refugees should be restricted. A general election will be held in autumn. Until then, Rutte’s government will act in a caretaker capacity. The fragmented 20-party lower house, along with the rapid rise of the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement party in the March 2023 provincial elections, add another layer of uncertainty to the country’s political future.
May 2023 | Police arrest over 1500 climate activists for blocking motorway
More than 1500 climate activists were arrested for blocking a motorway in the Hague as part of an Extinction Rebellion protest demanding an end to fossil fuel subsidies. Water cannons were fired at protesters. Police said that the purpose of the arrests was to end the A12 motorway’s blockade as protesting on this road is banned under regulations introduced by the mayor, and that most of those arrested were released with only 40 being prosecuted due to criminal offences, including vandalism and resisting arrest resulting in injury.
April 2023 | Court rules current work restriction for asylum seekers conflicts EU law
A court in Arnhem ruled that the existing regulation limiting asylum seekers to work for up to 24 weeks a year conflicts with the EU’s Reception Conditions Directive, and that the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) may no longer reject applications of asylum seekers working more than 24 weeks per year. The decision comes following the case of an asylum seeker whose application for a new work permit was rejected by the UWV, because he had exceeded the 24 weeks limit. The EU directive mandates that EU member countries provide asylum seekers with access to the labour market.
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