News item | 07-10-2022 | 15:30
In the coming period, the Advisory Committee on Strengthening the Resilience of the Democratic Legal Order, led by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch, will conduct research into the development of (political) polarisation, radicalization and extremism and how this affects the democratic legal order. On a proposal from the Ministers of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Justice and Security and Social Affairs and Employment, the Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of the members of the independent advisory committee.
The following members have been nominated for appointment:
- Mr Prof. Dr. P. Dekker
- Mrs MJJ van den Anker
- Mr Prof. Dr. R. Vliegenthart
- Mr JJ de Voogd
- Mrs. S. El Fizazi
- Mr. FJJ Geraedts
- Mrs. Prof. Dr. EH Tonkens
- Mr Dr GM van Buuren
- Mrs N. van Weezel
Marcouch: ‘The subject on which the committee will advise has many sides. I am therefore pleased with the versatility of the expertise of the committee members. I look forward to getting started with this committee.’
Advice on strengthening the resilience of the democratic legal order
In the coming year, the committee has been asked to conduct a broad investigation into various topics, such as the decline in trust, polarisation, radicalisation, extremism, social dividing lines and strengthening the democratic constitutional state. A number of research questions have been formulated in the task assignment on which the committee can issue its advice. Contradictions between citizens and a critical attitude towards government and politics are part of a healthy democratic legal order. When do statements become problematic because they may put pressure on the free public debate and thus the democratic legal order? What role do the internet and social media play in this? What are the preconditions needed for people to experience a greater sense of trust and connection? What can government and politicians do about this? An explicit appeal is made to also consult society on this issue, where it actually occurs in society.
The investigation follows the motion of Member of Parliament Segers. The motion came about as a result of the debate on the government statement. The advisory committee has been asked to submit its final report to the Ministers of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Social Affairs and Employment and Justice and Security before 1 October 2023.