The Erosion of Dutch Political Dialog and the Potential for Instability
The current political climate in the Netherlands is characterized by increasing polarization, hindering constructive conversation and perhaps leading to governmental instability. This stems from a pattern of exclusion between parties on the left and right, a dynamic that, while not new, is becoming increasingly pronounced.
While excluding extreme factions from direct negotiation is permissible within a democratic framework – the core principle being tolerance of opposing viewpoints without resorting to violence – a permanent refusal to engage risks damaging the foundations of democracy itself. The author points to the situation in the United States as a stark warning, referencing the shocking incident involving Charlie Kirk and echoing frans Timmermans’ statement: “No matter how great political disagreements may be, whoever thinks they can resolve them with violence, makes democracy itself in danger.”
The situation in the Netherlands, while not yet as severe as in the US, is trending in a similar direction. The author identifies the exclusionary tactics of the centre-right VVD party as a primary driver of this trend. Specifically, the VVDS refusal to collaborate with the GL-PVDA (GreenLeft-Labor) combination threatens to create a post-election scenario where forming a viable majority coalition becomes nearly impractical. Even a coalition of GL-PVDA, CDA, and D66 would likely require the VVD’s support, or resort to “a lot of small games” – a practically unsustainable approach for a functioning government. This reliance on the VVD is further complicated by the author’s assessment of the current leadership’s unpredictable nature.
This escalating exclusion risks a “democracy that slowly hangs itself,” especially given the meaningful challenges facing the Netherlands and the world. A recent study by EenVandaag revealed that young adults in the Netherlands are the least happy demographic,reflecting a lack of optimism about their future prospects. Compounding this domestic concern are global crises unfolding in regions like the Middle east and North America,all demanding innovative policy solutions that currently appear elusive.
Despite these concerns, the author maintains an optimistic outlook, believing that the VVD will ultimately extend a hand to GL-PVDA in forming a government. While personally preferring a stronger showing for parties focused on proactive change, the author acknowledges the ancient prevalence of VVD participation in Dutch cabinets.
The key to averting further polarization, the author argues, lies in the House of Representatives setting a positive example by initiating constructive dialogue and seeking pragmatic solutions grounded in constitutional principles, democratic values, and international agreements. Only through such collaboration can Dutch society maintain its cohesion and remain a “togetherleving” – a society that functions as a unified whole.
