Many people in the Netherlands uninformed about local government, risking accountability

The confidence of Dutch citizens in local politics is fragile, because few people know what their municipal government does, according to the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP). While citizens tend to view local politics more favorably than national politics, the SCP warns that a positive perception can quickly shift to negative following personal disappointments or local scandals.

The plan bureau reports that 64 percent of Dutch citizens are satisfied with their local government, compared to 34 percent for national politics. Citizens appreciate that municipal governments understand community concerns, balance interests carefully, and address local issues.

However, researchers point out criticism over the lack of transparency regarding mistakes. Despite the relatively positive view of local politics, many people remain uninformed and disengaged, which the SCP identifies as a potential risk.

The researchers warn that this means positive views of local government can quickly shift to negative ones. The SCP also raises concerns about whether citizens are able to hold their municipal authorities accountable when their understanding is limited.

“Third, being largely unknown makes it harder for local politicians and officials to come across as genuinely trustworthy.” The SCP notes that local politicians need to not only achieve results but also clearly show their accomplishments. In addition, local officials can engage proactively with residents, even between election periods, according to Josje de Ridder, a researcher at the SCP.

Few Dutch citizens are familiar with who the aldermen are or which parties form the coalition. Many view the municipality simply as a service provider for things like passports or waste collection, and lack insight into local political decision-making, such as on housing development or the energy transition.

With local newspapers and media outlets operating with fewer resources, municipal councils receive less critical scrutiny. This fuels public ignorance and complicates efforts to hold local governments accountable.

The study highlights a key difference between physical and psychological closeness. Residents don’t expect aldermen to drop by daily, but they do want the municipality to understand local concerns. The greatest frustration arises when the municipality enforces rules rigidly, ignoring individual circumstances, such as in social services or welfare programs.