Alarming Lack of MBO Depiction in Dutch parliament, Researcher Warns
THE HAGUE - A new analysis reveals a notable underrepresentation of individuals with vocational (MBO) education in the Netherlands‘ Lower House, prompting concerns that a large segment of the population is being overlooked in political decision-making. Researcher Bram Eidhof, director of the Foundation for Democracy, has found a “large reflection gap” between the educational backgrounds of current adn prospective MPs and the 60% of the Dutch population who are practically trained.
Eidhof’s research, examining the candidate lists of fifteen parties alongside current polling data, indicates a dwindling presence of MBO-educated individuals in parliament. Currently, 11% of MPs have an MBO background, a figure projected to fall to 9% following the next election. “At the moment, almost all decisions are being taken by people with a scientific education,” Eidhof stated. “And they do not always follow the preference of the practically educated.Consequence? A large part of society does not feel heard.”
While three of the fifteen parties analyzed have MBO students placed in potentially electable positions, the outlook remains bleak for broader representation. Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) leads with two MBO candidates on thier list, and party leader caroline van der Plas herself possesses an unfinished MBO education, emphasizing the value of “a huge number of MBO students who think practically.” Ja21 lists two MBO candidates, while the Party for Freedom (PVV) has five, including current MPs Hidde Heutink and Nicole Moinat, a trained MBO nurse.
However, major parties like D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) currently have no MBO candidates in realistically electable positions. Some candidates possess both MBO and higher professional (HBO) or university (WO) degrees.
The issue is gaining acknowledgement from within the political sphere. Laurens Dassen of Volt recognizes the challenge, stating, “We must be a reflection of society, so MBO students are desperately needed in the room.” Jesse Klaver of GroenLinks-PvdA acknowledged the scarcity of MBO candidates, but defended it as “a good reflection of society.” Mirjam Bikker of ChristenUnie highlighted her party’s efforts to include MBO representation, noting an MBO student is listed in the 7th position, tho their electability remains uncertain given current polling numbers.
