Johan Fretz: ‘WIJ ZIJN ALLEMAAL VERANTWOORDELIJK VOOR EXTREEMRECHTS’ (2023)

Johan Fretz, writer and documentary maker, offers insights on the recent election and what’s needed for 2024. As extreme right-wing politics rise, Fretz emphasizes our collective responsibility: “We may think we’re innocent, but that’s far from the truth.”

The term ‘existential security’ became central to recent political debates, initially appearing as a common good amidst years of eroded public services. Pieter Omtzigt popularized this term, positioning himself as a reformer post-scandal. Yet, his party’s platform revealed that ‘existential security’ often meant security for a select few, with policies like a low minimum wage and a 50,000 migrant cap. This framing of ‘existential security’ seemed more about bolstering Omtzigt’s call for transparency rather than addressing systemic issues.

Warning Signs and Political Ironies

Before NSC's rise, there were early concerns. Reports like ‘Ongekend Onrecht’ on the benefits scandal downplayed ethnic profiling, and politicians were cautious about addressing racial dimensions directly. While Renske Leijten and Pieter Omtzigt were lauded for their efforts, Farid Azarkan, a key figure with a migration background, was frequently overlooked.

During the election, many voters, including Geert Wilders—who has been criticized for his anti-immigrant stance—presented themselves as advocates for existential security. This paradox highlights a broader issue: after years of VVD policies, there was a demand for socialism, albeit a version serving only a select group. This brand of nationalism, echoing leftist rhetoric while maintaining a hard-right stance, has gained traction and poses significant challenges.

What does the current state look like? Wilders refers to it as “our country,” but this ‘our’ is sharply defined. The Netherlands might seem well-kept, but a closer look reveals issues. Parks are designed to prevent the homeless from resting, illustrating a deeper societal divide that needs addressing.

Author: Johan Fretz Illustrations: Richard Kofi Full article: https://www.oneworld.nl/mensenrechten/johan-fretz-wij-zijn-allemaal-verantwoordelijk-voor-extreemrechts/