The pressure to meet emissions reduction targets in the Netherlands put such a strain on farmers that it resulted in one suicide every 14 days. The political landscape shifted with Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom doubling in size to become the largest parliamentary party, sending shock waves through the country and Europe. The outcome of this election, combined with similar shifts in politics in Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, marked the emergence of a new wave of conservatism in a country that was once considered a bastion of progressiveness.
The plight of Dutch farmers in the face of stringent environmental policies led to protests and government inaction, which ultimately led to the distressing statistic of farmer suicides. Despite this, the farmers received widespread support from the population, and their cause contributed to the conservative-aligned parties gaining ground in the election. The seismic shift in Dutch politics, along with similar developments in New Zealand and Argentina, signals a broader rejection of politically progressive policies and a call for a return to core conservative values.
The political landscape in the Netherlands, as well as in other countries, reflects a shift toward conservative values and a rejection of what is perceived as “woke-ism.” The public is voicing a preference for policies that prioritize cost of living, social cohesion, and individual rights, rather than aggressive climate change agendas. This shift indicates a need for elected representatives to adopt a common-sense, citizen-first approach and deliver policies that reflect traditional conservative values. This trend has implications not only for Dutch politics but for global dynamics, including the United Nations’ climate change agenda.