Why do so many moderate citizens vote for Wilders?
The Netherlands was once known as a tolerant country. Throughout our history we have taken in many refugees: Huguenots, Belgians, Czechs, Hungarians, Chileans, Iranians and Yugoslavs. Since 2000, hospitality seems to have disappeared. Research shows that the current attitude of the Netherlands towards migrants is particularly negative compared to other countries in Western Europe. This also translates into the enormous rise of the PVV in the polls. The PVV would now be the largest party with 37 seats in elections.
Wilders is a clever ideologue with rigid, well-defined views. He does not call for violence, but his statements add fuel to the fire for fanatical and violent groups of citizens. Nevertheless, it is now also attractive to moderate citizens, including an increasing number of highly educated, well-earning residents (see website. How can this be explained?
People often revert to the star We-They think out of fear when they feel threatened in their personal situation. The sudden arrival of so many refugees to Europe, the images on TV, the lack of information and policy: it evokes uncertainty and fear. The major problems of unemployment/poverty and the lack of access to a successful career in our fast internet society have many people in its grip.
Even for people who are well off, the future is uncertain. People feel unsafe and seek support in their own trusted circle of family, friends and like-minded people. The outside world, the other, is made an outsider, an enemy, a scapegoat. One's own fear is projected onto the newcomers.
It is striking that there is apparently no room left for facts and rational arguments. The aforementioned research shows that 44 percent of the Dutch think that current migrants have little education and work experience and 46 percent suspect that they are mainly economic refugees. However, the current mainly Syrian refugees are war refugees, often with a high level of education and a previously good income.
Fear has always been a bad counselor. Debating with people with over-simplified views usually makes little sense, but listening to them does. I suspect that many people in the Netherlands do not feel heard in the pain, uncertainty and fear they have. But also not in their wisdom and the good solutions they offer. Such as in the village of Rijs, where residents themselves had drawn up a plan for spreading the reception of asylum seekers and the government nevertheless honored the wishes of a number of NO callers.
It is therefore important to pay attention to all residents in the Netherlands, new and old. Our common goal can be: a safe living environment for all. In realizing this, let's make use of all the local expertise and citizens' initiatives that are available. With this we can hopefully stop the increasing polarization and strengthen the resilience of the Netherlands. That seems to me to be an important task for the government and the other political parties.
Leida Schuringa
October 2015
Leida Schuringa is part of CHE's SDi writers' collective. This collective looks at social issues from Spiral Dynamics (www.SDi.nl) and thus offers insight into new solutions. Leida is the author of several books, including Dealing with Diversity; Working on a project basis for the non-profit sector and Community Empowerment in a developing country.
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