Hicham El Ouahabi | The election result is a disdain for the constitution, law and humanity
How could the Netherlands have made a party the largest that included unconstitutional points in its election program, Hicham El Ouahabi wonders. “With a party leader who has been found guilty of group insult, demonizing population groups and openly advocating for fewer people like me?”
As a child, I was fascinated by the First and Second World Wars. I delved deep into history books, learning about the evils of nationalism and the devastating effects of scapegoat politics. Later, as an adult, I became deeply interested in the Enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, happiness, tolerance, and social engineering. And now, here I am, facing the reality of Dutch politics in which the PVV emerges as the largest party and winner.
The first thing that came to my mind, prompted from the heart, was: how could the Netherlands have voted a party into power that includes undemocratic and unconstitutional points in its election program? With a party leader who has been found guilty of group insult, demonizes population groups, and openly advocates for fewer people like me.
Who labels people concerned about the climate “environmental geeks” and accuses activists of “gender terror.” And perhaps most shocking: he has portrayed judges as “fake,” called parliament “phony” and labeled journalists the “scum of the earth.” And we should bear in mind that so far this party has never formally distanced itself or apologized for these statements and ideas. I therefore interpret this result as contempt for the constitution, rule of law, and fellow human beings.
But in contrast to the heart, the head exists, too. And my head thought: let it be so. My liberal principles, steeped in the ideal of equality and diversity, drive me to recognize that everyone has the right to express their views and opinions through popular representation. In this diversity, every sound is equally valuable, without any hierarchy. My mind tells me not to be afraid or panic. Ultimately, this country is governed by majorities with sufficient protective mechanisms.
What does concern and affect me is the ease with which populist and anti-right-wing traits are taken for granted, or rather, the laxity with which they are ignored. With increasing ease, scapegoats are appointed, nationalistic language is used, issues are simplified, and base feelings are stirred up. Facts, expertise, and competence no longer seem decisive in this context. The loudest voice promising simple solutions seems to be more important. It is painful to see that this seems to be precisely what underlies this political landslide. But pain can also fuel hope and strengthen faith in alternatives.
The longest-serving first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, once uttered the words: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” These words are more relevant to me than ever.
