Dutch elections: from tolerance towards cynicism and fear

 

1.5 million Dutch Islam critics?

So why did more than 1.5 million people in the Netherlands feel that their interests were best represented by Geert Wilders? He has cleverly exploited issues as financial insecurity and raising the retirement age. But he was not alone in addressing these issues. Other political parties and politicians on the right and left of the political spectrum in The Netherlands have raised similar issues and more importantly have done well in preceding elections.

 

Addressing the ignored voter

The answer may be found in two things: first of all Wilders excelled in winning the hearts of the Dutch voters by his political cynicism expressing that the current political establishment doesn’t listen to the voice of the people anyhow. Secondly he openly expresses his anti-Islam views and policy. In the eyes of those one in six PVV-voters, he is the defender of free speech because of this. Fear for other cultures and religion, and specifically Islam is a very important issue for the Dutch voter, especially in times of crisis. During the campaign for the elections this was missed by other politicians and the media. They focussed very much on economic issues such as health care costs which must be brought down and the retirement age which has to be lifted from 65 to 67.

 

Inclusion

Effective democracy is built through daily interaction. Such interaction increases public awareness and helps monitor and evaluate elected officials on a continual basis, as well as ensure protection of rights and interests of all groups of citizen’s non-discrimination and inclusion for all. This inclusion should be encouraged at all stages of policy development, for it has real bearing on policy responsiveness. It is worth noting that inclusion of different discriminated groups is difficult to achieve with a uniform policy, thus participation must involve empowerment of these groups, first of all at the local and grassroots level.

 

These general elections show that many voters don’t relate anymore to the model of a tolerant, immigrant-friendly Dutch society. Our country has entered a period of austere introspection. Justitia et Pax Netherlands is keeping a close watch on developments in society. As a human rights organisation, we feel that a democratic way of life and model of society presume equal access to justice for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Good diversity management can help everyone, minorities and majorities alike, reap the full benefit of living in a society made up of many different groups of people. If a government is to manage diversity well, it must overcome discrimination and to prevent marginalization. In 2009 we have conducted a study among pastors who work in detention centres for undocumented migrants. We have found the situation of detained migrants to be unacceptable.

 

We will continue to speak out on human rights issues. Even when a large minority in the Netherlands think the subject doesn't apply to migrants and religious minorities in the Netherlands.