Dutch mayors warn of rising political and social polarization ahead of local elections

Mayors across the Netherlands are raising alarm over growing harshness and polarization in politics, society, citing threats to democratic norms. Their warnings come one month before municipal elections. An analysis by ANP of roughly 100 recent mayoral speeches, delivered at New Year receptions, memorials, and other public events, shows widespread concern about intimidation and the erosion of civility.

“Threats even lead some council members to no longer seek reelection,” said Maarten Haverkamp, mayor of De Bilt. Cor Lamers, mayor of Nissewaard, added that “differences are quickly exaggerated, social interactions are strained, and public debate is hardening.” Mayors in Zaltbommel and De Fryske Marren noted that basic standards of decency are being forgotten.

The trend extends beyond politics. “Even today we see how people are reduced to groups, to enemies, to inferiors. And even today we see how words can harden and result in violence,” said Karen Heerschop, mayor of Houten, at the annual Holocaust remembrance. She stressed that history does not repeat itself exactly, but warned that “dehumanizing language is becoming increasingly normalized. Migrants, religious minorities, LGBTQI+ people, and political opponents are no longer described as humans, but as ‘internal enemies.’ In Nazi Germany, it started exactly like this.”

Mayors called on national politicians to set a positive example. Nicole Ramaekers, mayor of Gulpen-Wittem, said, “As far as I am concerned, we no longer need politicians who behave as if they are constantly in puberty: impulsive, egocentric, polarizing, always blaming others, spreading disinformation, seeking only attention and short-term gains.”

Some criticism extended internationally. The mayor of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht referenced U.S. President Donald Trump and his associates, stating, “There are world leaders for whom facts are negotiable. There are tech entrepreneurs for whom enough is never enough. We are manipulated and pitted against each other by social media algorithms.” The mayor also criticized the perceived irresponsibility of tech leaders like Elon Musk, adding, “There is such a thing as too rich.”

Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht’s peer in Renswoude echoed similar concerns about global leadership. “Leaders of the major powers have lost their way. They behave like a bunch of gorillas with only one goal: to increase their own power and position, and it comes at the cost of human lives.”