Dutch politics is experiencing a sad first with the departure of D66 leader Sigrid Kaag from politics.
Sigrid Kaag leaves the House of Representatives because the hatred, intimidation and threats to which she is exposed are no longer bearable for the family of the D66 leader. Never before has a political prominent left the Binnenhof for that reason.
Most factions in the House of Representatives have reacted furiously to the smear that hit Kaag. This will undoubtedly also have to do with the fact that many are themselves, to varying degrees, the target of mostly anonymous reproaches and threats. PVV leader Geert Wilders has been leading an isolated existence for twenty years because he has to be under strict security.
However, aggression towards politicians seems to have increased in recent years. It is difficult to give a clear explanation for this. It is clear that the anti-corona measures and the nitrogen policy have had a strongly polarizing effect. Social media is not only an accessible means to mobilize resistance, but also to threaten and intimidate people anonymously. In addition, some members of parliament have manners that fuel the misconduct of some citizens
It seems that hate campaigns, for whatever reason, have hit Kaag more than average. On Thursday morning, she expressed the hope that her experiences will not prevent other women from entering politics. In doing so, she ignores the fact that men might as well decline a position in politics because of the insecurity that goes with it.
It is to be commended in the divorcing D66 forewoman that she speaks openly about her motive for leaving. Her decision is understandable, but also a bow to the often anonymous, cowardly terror. It is therefore not to be hoped that after her decision other politicians will tend to follow Kaag’s choice and considerations. Democracy must show that it can withstand the unreasoning aggression of a probably relatively small, unrepresentative or unrepresentative part of the population.