Last summer, cabinet Dick Schoof's cabinet fell, which means elections in the Netherlands have been brought forward. On 29 October, the Dutch went to the polls to choose who will represent them in government for the next four years. The formation of a new cabinet will now begin, and the foundations will be laid for future government policy.
And it’s an important choice. Due to increasing polarisation, growing inequality, social unease, global tensions and successive crises, the complex issues of our time require a future-proof approach. What that approach is, and by extension what our future will look like, largely depends on the new political landscape.
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we’re collecting stories around the Dutch election and subsequent cabinet formation, on topics that not only govern the individual election campaigns, but also determine our collective future: social security, climate, healthcare, administrative culture, war and defence, asylum and migration.
To herald the election season, a student election debate was held at VU Amsterdam on 8 October, featuring prominent figures from six different political parties. They discussed issues that are important to students, such as discrimination, the lack of suitable and affordable housing, and welfare. We will continue to listen, think, advise and discuss over the coming weeks. With a view on all people and society, listening to all voices and perspectives. Because only if all – not most – votes count, can there be an inclusive, fair and safe society.
