Tomorrow, the Dutch people will elect a new government. In today’s special newsletter, we're happy to interview Esmah Lahlah of GroenLinks.

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Dear John,

After more than a decade under conservative-liberal Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Dutch people will elect a new government in the general elections this Wednesday. In this election, that are set to impact the future of Dutch and European politics, our member party GroenLinks joins forces with the social democratic PvdA.

In today’s special newsletter, we're happy to interview Esmah Lahlah, the number 2 candidate on their joint list, led by former European Commissioner Frans Timmermans. Lahlah, a fresh face in national party politics, has earned acclaim for her impactful social policies as Deputy Mayor and Alderwoman in Tilburg. In our discussion, she lays out her plans to restore faith in politics, her strategies to combat poverty and racism, and her vision for the Netherlands' and Europe’s role in the fight against the climate crisis.

Esmah Lahlah. Image source: GroenLinks/PvdA ([link removed] )

EGP: What inspired you to start a political career and join GroenLinks?

Esmah Lahlah: While working in academia, I seized the opportunity to become a non-partisan member of the city council in Tilburg. Despite never having been affiliated with any political party, I embraced the challenge when asked to join the city council. The adjustment was intense, but I have never regretted it. Handling social welfare policy responsibilities, I observed numerous aspects that needed improvement—ways in which we could treat people more compassionately and more humane. I believe the Dutch government's relationship with citizens is marked by a lot of mistrust, and my mission is centred on fostering trust. Joining GroenLinks two years ago was motivated by my conviction that ensuring livelihood security is intertwined with climate action.

Esmah Lahlah. Image source: GroenLinks/PvdA ([link removed] )

After 13 years of Rutte governments, there is a strong call for a new era. You already mentioned your mission to reinstate trust. How can you achieve that?

To restore trust, we have to put trust in people. Provide services and support without the endless controls, checks and fines for small mistakes. Believe that people want to make something of their life, instead of treating them like fraudsters. Ask ‘how can we help you?’ instead of ‘why do you want help?’.

Your initiatives in Tilburg, especially around anti-poverty measures, have been well-received. How do you plan to scale these successes to a national level?

Seeing how enormously hard it is to change even the smallest bit of welfare policy on a city-level is the reason I’m leaving the wonderful city of Tilburg. Social welfare policy the Netherlands needs be overhauled completely, not tweaked here and there. I’ve spoken to so many people whose lives have been complicated due to the effects of harsh rules that we put in place to prevent fraud. I take all those stories with me to The Hague. If we engage with each other from a place of trust, the country can look differently.

You are very vocal against racism. How do you suggest tackling racism, not just in the Netherlands but across Europe?

It starts with recognising institutional racism and taking a hard look at the ways in which that has infiltrated our government. The childcare allowance scandal showed us the ways in which racism dictated whether someone was marked as a potential fraudster or not. We need to come up with answers very quickly for how to keep racism out of our algorithms. By actively promoting diversity within government, schools, the workplace, our neighbourhoods, we can create a more inclusive society.

Esmah Lahlah, Jesse Klaver, Suzanne Kröger and Habtamu de Hoop at the climate march. Image source: X ([link removed] )

Recently, you joined the largest climate protest ever in the Netherlands with more than 85.000 participants. Climate change is a global issue. What should be the Dutch role in the international fight against the climate crisis?

I envision the Netherlands as the leading country that it was at the turn of the century. We were the first country to legalise same sex marriage and at the time a lot of parties in government voted against it and ridiculed the progressive parties. And now look: it’s the most normal thing. I want our country to be giving the right example. If progressive people work together, we can be that country leading in climate action. GroenLinks has joined forces with the PvdA, the social democrats, to do exactly that.

You state that a strong and independent Europe is crucial also for a safe and green future for the Netherlands. How do you see the future of Europe?

Our ever more international and complex problems require an ever-closer union in my opinion. There is so much more that connects than what divides us – focussing on our similarities brings so many opportunities.

Thank you for the interview!

Follow Esmah on Instagram
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Dutch elections explained

On Wednesday, 22 November, Dutch voters will head to the polls to elect a new Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Parliament, with 150 seats up for grabs. Following the resignation earlier this year of Prime Minister Rutte, who is not seeking re-election, the stage is set for a significant political reshuffle. A majority government will require at least 76 seats. Latest polls indicate a strong showing for the extreme right-wing PVV, the emerging center-right NSC, the conservative-liberal VVD, and the progressive alliance of GroenLinks and PvdA.

Our co-chairs, Mélanie Vogel and Thomas Waitz comment: “A conservative, right-wing and far-right government coalition would put the Dutch society in reverse gear. The same threat was present in this year's elections in Poland and Spain. But concerned and engaged citizens turned out in large numbers and brought progressive and green coalitions to victory.”

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