Poldercast: The Dutch Politics Podcast

The Netherlands is a famously secular country, and yet the last government consisted of not just one, but two Christian parties. The continued staying power of Christian parties in the fragmented political landscape begs the question: What role does Christianity still play in Dutch politics today? And how do these parties manage to punch above their weight to set the agenda?
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The Netherlands is often said to be a progressive bastion, where drugs are legal, ethical taboos are broken, and people are free to live their lives as they see fit – a true Liberal Paradise. But how true is this stereotype, and is the Netherlands at risk of losing its status as world-beating progressive beacon? This episode of the Poldercast will cast a critical eye on the Dutch cliché of a liberal paradise, and look at what the two main liberal parties – VVD and D66 – have in store for the election.
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After the negotiations to form a new government collapsed before they properly began, discussion mainly revolved around Mark Rutte and his future as the leader of the country. But the leaked memo also ignited a much broader debate on the relationship between parliament and government, and the extent to which the opposition can play its role as a check on the coalition. So on this week’s Poldercast, we take a break from those in government to look at those meant to control it, as we discuss dualism in Dutch Politics.
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Pieter Omtzigt, Position Elsewhere. These four words, noted down in a leaked confidential memo, may very well bring an end to the political career of prime minister Mark Rutte. A relatively minor incident escalated and led the newly elected parliament to launch an attack on the norms and procedures of coalition-building and on the conduct of Mark Rutte himself. As the country picks up the pieces, The Poldercast examines how a straight-forward election instead turned into a debate on political culture in the Netherlands and a reckoning that may mean an end to Rutte’s decade in power.
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With the elections just around the corner, the Poldercast wraps up the remaining parties that currently sit in Parliament - DENK, Party for the Animals and 50PLUS - says goodbye to those are unlikely to return, and looks at some the more credible contenders that may make it in - JA21, Bij1 and Volt.
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