In the Netherlands, the importance of foreigners in local politics
“Foreign residents make up more than 10% of the population of the largest cities in the Netherlands, and some municipalities believe their voices should be better heard,” Dutch News reports in an article about an upcoming election.
The Dutch news site is not talking about the early parliamentary elections scheduled for the autumn, following the departure of Geert Wilders' far-right PVV from the coalition government, but about the municipal elections in March 2026.
“In the parliamentary elections on October 29, only Dutch citizens over the age of 18 can vote. However, in the municipal elections on March 18, 2026, EU [European Union] citizens can vote, as can non-EU citizens who have lived in the Netherlands for the past five years,” the English-language media outlet points out.
In this context, political parties have every interest in focusing on this electorate, which is often educated, progressive, and rejects the far-right's accusations that foreigners are the ideal culprit for the country's ills. "I believe they play an important role, culturally, socially, and economically. More than 10% of our city's residents have foreign origins," says Erik Schmit, spokesman for the Democrats 66 (liberals) party in Amsterdam, adding that "foreigners should be invited to contribute" to local politics rather than serving as "scapegoats."
In this spirit of inclusivity, the city of The Hague, home to the International Criminal Court, has launched a civic event aimed at foreign voters by organizing meetings with members of the city council. The city's website specifies that the event will consist of quizzes and discussions. All in English, an international language widely spoken in the Netherlands.
Dutch News also takes the example of Leiden, a medium-sized city located between Amsterdam and The Hague, where “one in seven residents has a foreign passport. There is a panel of 120 people who are asked to share their opinions on topics such as language learning, volunteering, city life…”
For Erik Schmit, who continues his demonstration, “foreigners feel a responsibility towards society, they live here, work here, frequent the cultural scene” . And he concludes: “Sometimes, having a different point of view can help find solutions.”
While Geert Wilders' PVV, with its xenophobic program, is still leading the polls in the Netherlands, Bloomberg reports , it will be up to the Dutch to decide during the October parliamentary elections on their openness to others.
