What should the Netherlands do now? An invitation to society to self-examine, this is how you can interpret the election results. According to the winner PVV, the Netherlands is full and immigration must be stopped completely. ‘Happiness seekers’ benefit from the welfare state while ‘ordinary citizens’ have to fork over every euro, healthcare has been stripped down, Europe is patronizing and money-consuming, the Dutch identity is being squandered and climate policy is unnecessary.
How is it possible that this sentiment evoked by PVV leader Geert Wilders in his election manifesto has resonated so strongly with voters? Is it only gut feelings to which he appeals, or did he sense better than other political parties what problems citizens face and what concerns they have? And why have other political parties failed to formulate satisfactory answers to the social issues underlying Wilders’ tough policy proposals?
These are painful questions that the other political parties now have to ask themselves, whether they are right or left. Anyone who went into the country in the weeks before the elections to hear what motivates citizens when casting their votes, as NRC did, often heard the same list: housing shortage, healthcare and purchasing power are the three issues that voters currently have. hit most. That is not only something that people who voted for the radical right PVV are concerned about, but also progressive voters.
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Almost everyone feels that space is scarce in this country. To make housing construction possible, an answer to the nitrogen problem is needed. This means that a choice must be made between nature, extensive agriculture and the extent to which the Netherlands also wants to accommodate certain industries. The fact that the Netherlands is a delta, where the major rivers meet at the sea, brings economic prosperity. But at the same time it creates a flood risk. Which only increases the need for climate measures.
And these are not the only dilemmas that society will have to make decisions about. A total stop on migration also means that no new workers will enter the market. To keep healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone, in a rapidly aging society, doctors and nurses are needed. To keep education up to standard, teachers. To ensure safety in neighborhoods, police officers. To build homes, craftsmen. There is a labor shortage in almost all sectors, while the unemployment rate is historically low.
Then compare the Netherlands with a train during rush hour that is packed due to a ‘material shortage’. One last passenger still wants to enter, so the doors cannot close and the train does not leave. The irritation and anger may be directed at that passenger, but he is not the problem. However, the policy choices that have been made or have been postponed for too long. A lot is needed, the Netherlands wants a lot. That was possible for a long time. But the option to want everything at the same time is no longer there.
The accumulated dissatisfaction about everything that is bothering and going wrong in the Netherlands has forced its way out, but that is not the end of the story. Now it has to be about: how? And how do we move forward together in this polarized country?
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One group of Dutch people is joyful, while another group is fearful of what is to come. The results of the elections can be seen as a call for dialogue between voter groups that have their backs to each other. This means that the results of these democratic elections must be respected. Without losing sight of the fact that this democracy is also vulnerable, and that everyone must continue to speak out against xenophobia and racism, subversion, unwanted interference from foreign powers, and all decisions that go against the Constitution.
There is a danger that people will withdraw even further into their bubble, while talking to people who think differently is essential now. You can only find a solution if you look at a problem from all sides, including from the perspective of the other person. Without empathy, society is not society.