Towards a Fairer and More Humane Netherlands
The Netherlands finds itself in a time of sharp divisions. Public debate is increasingly coloured by polarisation: people stand against each other rather than alongside one another. Populist slogans, often aimed at reinforcing “us-versus-them” divides, dominate the political arena. Far-right movements are gaining traction, while hate speech on social media and in talk shows is becoming increasingly normalised.
This development strikes at the heart of
our democratic rule of law. Human rights, once firmly anchored in law and
practice, risk being reduced to formal documents without real protection.
Political decision-making seems driven by short-term polling rather than
long-term vision. Meanwhile, structural challenges are growing: a housing
crisis, an ageing population, pressure on healthcare, climate change, and
international instability.
The issues are broad, yet closely
interlinked. Take migration: debate is often framed in terms of fear, while
reality is more complex. Labour migration is by far the largest group of
newcomers—mostly from EU countries—and is essential for sectors such as
construction, logistics, and agriculture. At the same time, the right to
asylum—enshrined in international treaties—remains a fundamental principle,
requiring a faster and more transparent decision-making process to both
safeguard those in need of protection and keep reception facilities manageable.
From problem to perspective
The problems are serious, but not
insoluble. There are many ways out of this downward spiral. It starts with
restoring dialogue and strengthening social cohesion. Local citizens’
assemblies, interfaith meetings, and participatory neighbourhood projects show
that it is possible: groups from different backgrounds working together on
solutions.
Policy must also be grounded in facts and
research, not in emotion or short-term sentiment. Consider the housing market:
decades of liberalisation and government withdrawal have led to sky-high rents
and long waiting lists. A renewed investment agenda in social housing, combined
with rent regulation, could make affordable housing attainable again—something
that remains the norm in places like Vienna, Austria.
The same applies to the economy. Kate
Raworth’s Doughnut Economics and Amartya Sen’s work show that prosperity
is more than GDP growth. In the Dutch context, this means: making polluters
pay, taxing large fortunes more fairly, and structurally investing in essential
professions such as teachers and healthcare workers, who are currently often
undervalued both financially and socially.
An integrated vision
A future-proof society requires an
overarching vision in which humanity, empathy, honesty, freedom, equality, and
solidarity are central. These are not abstract ideals, but practical guidelines
for policymaking.
Freedom without equality leads to
inequality; equality without freedom can become stifling; solidarity gives both
meaning by embedding them in mutual responsibility. In this spirit, the
democratic rule of law should not only be legally protected but also lived
daily. That means: independent media prioritising facts over sensation, social
media platforms being transparent about algorithms, and education that not only
imparts knowledge but also teaches democratic skills.
The climate challenge illustrates the need
for an integrated approach. As a delta country, the Netherlands is vulnerable
to the effects of sea-level rise and extreme weather. Stewardship—managing the
earth for future generations—demands the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels,
investment in renewable energy, and social justice in the energy transition.
This means ensuring lower-income households do not bear the heaviest burdens,
even though they have contributed least to the problem.
From vision to action
Translating vision into practice requires
concrete steps:
- Political reforms, such as citizens’ assemblies and
participatory budgeting, to involve citizens actively in decision-making.
- Economic reforms to reduce inequality, for example through
progressive taxation and wealth redistribution.
- Investment in affordable housing and protection of caravan
sites as part of cultural heritage.
- Reform of the healthcare system to curb profit-maximisation and
guarantee equal access.
- Protection of the digital space against monopolies and data
misuse, including moral frameworks for artificial intelligence.
- Active defence of the democratic rule of law against erosion of
institutions and growing distrust.
Security also requires a balanced approach
to defence and diplomacy: more European cooperation and less dependence on the
US, combined with strengthening international law and reforming decision-making
in the UN Security Council.
Conclusion: a shared responsibility
The core message is clear: a just, humane,
and sustainable society does not arise by itself. It demands conscious choices,
determined leadership, and engaged citizens.
Politics must once again serve the public
interest rather than short-term gain. Civil society must build bridges rather
than walls. Citizens must be willing to engage in conversation—even with those
who think differently.
.jfif)
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