Survey: Only 43% of Dutch plan to celebrate Liberation Day amid polarization fears

The Netherlands observes Liberation Day on Tuesday, but a significant portion of the population feels uneasy about the state of freedom in the country, driven primarily by rising polarization and global conflicts, according to a new poll.

A representative survey of 2,111 members of the Hart van Nederland Panel found that only 43 percent of Dutch people plan to celebrate Liberation Day this year. Just 12 percent intend to attend a festival, event or other activity, while 54 percent will not mark the day at all.

The independent foundation SIRE has responded to the deepening divisions by relaunching its 2023 campaign “Don’t lose each other when polarization hits close to home” earlier this year.

While Liberation Day focuses on celebrating freedom, many Dutch citizens express concern about its condition at home. Polarization tops the list, with 37 percent saying groups in society are increasingly standing against each other. Global wars and tensions follow closely at 34 percent.

Twenty-seven percent believe freedom in the Netherlands is gradually decreasing. Nearly a quarter cite crime and insecurity as threats to their sense of freedom.

For some, freedom centers on the ability to express opinions. Nineteen percent worry that people can no longer say what they think, while 8 percent point to the influence of social media. Sixteen percent mention the growing number of government rules and restrictions. Nine percent highlight discrimination and unequal treatment as key concerns.