Dutch voters most concerned about norms and values

Dutch norms and values and immigration and asylum are the biggest concerns among Dutch voters at the moment, according to a study done by research agency Ipsos on behalf of Dutch broadcaster NOS. Ipsos surveyed a total of 1,103 Dutch voters that form a good representation of the Dutch population, NOS reports.

A massive 86 percent of Dutch voters are concerned about the norms and values in the country and 10 percent are very concerned. A large majority feel that the situation around Dutch norms and values is worse off than it was five years ago. And only one in ten think that it will improve over the next five years.

Concerns about immigration and asylum scored nearly as high as those about norms and values. 81 percent of voters are concerned, of which 35 percent are very concerned about this topic.

When asked, about 50 percent of Dutch think that non-Western immigrants pose a threat to Dutch norms and values. That belief is not only very popular among PVV voters, but also among a majority of CDA, VVD and 50Plus voters. A large majority of PVV, VVD and CDA voters think that African refugees should be sent back to their own countries. Smaller majorities among D66 and SP voters agree. Among PvdA voters, four in ten are for sending African refugees back, and three in ten against. Among GroenLinks voters, an equal number is for and against.

Just over 80 percent of Dutch voters are worried about the state of the healthcare system, and almost a third very concerned. About 60 percent are worried about the economy, including 11 percent very concerned.

Dutch voters are also pessimistic about the situation in the rest of the world. 64 percent believe that the world will be going the wrong way in the coming five years. Two thirds of voters are worried about Donald Trump as president of the United States. The PVV is the only party with relatively many voters feeling positive about Trump. But here too are doubts. A third of PVV voters are positive about Trump, a third negative and a third neutral.

When it comes to their own personal futures, Dutch voters are somewhat more positive. Most expect that they will be in about the same position or in a slightly better position in five years time.