Dutch election results expose new political divide – can D66 bridge the gap?
What do the election results say about the Netherlands today? Students and experts discussed this at an Election Breakfast organised by study association Diqit. Analysts, including Hans-Martien ten Napel, Associate Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law, notice a new dividing line in Dutch politics.
Two poles
Ten Napel believes the new dividing line in Dutch politics is an important development: 'Since the beginning of this century, two poles have begun to emerge. On the one side, there’s a group who believes in international cooperation, open borders and a strong role for the EU – in the Ukraine conflict, for example. The other group has a strong desire for community, national unity and a renewed appreciation of the family unit, faith and the nation itself. Neither pole is better or worse, but they are diametrically opposed when it comes to themes such as migration, European cooperation, Ukraine and the Palestinian State.'
Centre-right cabinet
According to Ten Napel, the interesting thing about this election result is that political parties from both camps may have to sit down together in the formation process. He says that a centre-right cabinet – with, for example, D66, CDA, VVD, JA21 and BBB – could contribute to stability and bridging the gap between these opposing visions.
D66 as a unifier
‘D66 could even play a unifying role. The party does have a strong international orientation, but it also seems to be aware of national symbolism and community spirit. In Leiden, where the party celebrated the election results, the Dutch flag was flying everywhere. Which is unusual, because that’s normally more associated with political parties whose focus is the Netherlands.'