Dutch economic boom and the rise of populism

The Netherlands, a founding member of the European Union and its forerunner the European Economic Community (EEC), is a dynamic economy, with stable GDP growth, low unemployment rate and a market-friendly economic model.  Still, right-wing populists are expected to perform well in the coming elections. What are the reasons behind this trend?

Political and socio-economic problems are growing in complexity in an increasingly globalized world. Many are feeling overwhelmed as a result. Seeing this as a chance, Dutch populists are pushing hard for a breakthrough at the ballot box. Their leader is Geert Wilders, of the Party for Freedom (PVV), who with his simple answers to complicated issues seems set for a dramatic electoral performance.

When he took over the reins of his country, Prime Minister Mark Rutte promised solid economic growth and rising prosperity. He has delivered on these fronts: the economic data appear unambiguously positive. But the problem is that the growth and prosperity have not affected many Dutch from lower and middle classes, whose living standards haven't improved over the past five years.  

Rutte had also pledged not to pour Dutch taxpayer money into bailing out fellow eurozone economies. The PM, however, had to backpedal on this pledge immediately after taking office and grant an aid package for Greece. The move undercut Dutch voters' trust in his government. Decisions like rising the retirement age to 67 and slashing the social benefits have not helped either.

The Dutch soon realized that they have actually been paying a hefty price for the boom. They have had to take cuts to their unemployment benefits and reduce spending on healthcare. The fruits of economic expansion haven't reached the ordinary citizen. While the jobless rate has dropped, many Dutch workers are still finding it difficult to earn enough to maintain their living standards.

Under these circumstances, it's unsurprising that nationalist sentiment is on the rise – even in Dutch society whose liberal values have served as an ideal for many other European nations over the years. In response, the Netherlands has turned against taking in asylum seekers. The prevailing national mood favors Geert Wilders electorally.  

Wilders' campaign rhetoric focuses on migrants, particularly Muslims. He seldom appears in public without warning that his country faces the "threat of Islamization." Similar to Donald Trump's strategy of blaming Mexicans for every US woe, Wilders points to "Moroccans" for the Netherlands' problems.

Islam is most visible in Europe through its places of worship, and many people simply do not want any more of them - another reflex that Wilders exploits. He calls for a nationwide ban on mosques and the Koran, argues against the "Islamic ideology," criticizes the euro and challenges the survival of the EU. He does this while promising the voters better elderly care and a hike in pensions.

Wilders has been able to score points amid growing voter dissatisfaction. But parties with radical agendas in the Netherlands have so far failed to turn their good poll ratings into votes.  Still, the argument that the country needs to build high barriers seems to be gaining traction; to protect itself from the waters of the North Sea and, for Wilders' followers, against migrants and refugees.