Populism and National Identity: the Dutch case

An article by Dick Pels, director of the Dutch Green Foundation Stichting Wetenschappelijk Bureau, on the specific manifestations of rightwing populism in the Netherlands: the show case of libertarian nationalism and of celebrity politics.

The Green European Foundation addressed the topic of populism, an ever more present manifestation on both sides of the polical spectrum, during a discussion in its latest General Assembly (May 2010, Brussels). The discussion showed that populist parties are present in all corners of Europe and raised the interest of GEF to further develop its work in the field. At this moment, the foundation is preparing a publication on the topic.

Dick Pels was one of the panelists in the initial GEF discussion on populism. In his article, he summarizes the main points of debate raised, and makes references to the Dutch particularities.

Dick Pels - Populism and National Identity: The Dutch Case

Rightwing populism came late to Holland, and it came in a peculiar shape and style: that of the playful, spectacular political dandyism of Pim Fortuyn. It therefore took on an unexpected quality, both in terms of ideological content (a ‘libertarian nationalism’) and communicative form (the breakthrough of media personalization and celebrity politics). Media are of course crucial in the populist equation. But due to the narcissism and bravura of Fortuyn, they were perhaps more crucial in the Netherlands than anywhere else (excepting the case of Berlusconi in Italy).

But there are advantages in being a latecomer: it sharpens our (hind)sight. The uniquely libertarian and media-spectacular Dutch case precisely underscores the newness of neo-populism, and may therefore shed some much-needed light on post-war European populism as a whole.

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Dick Pels - Populism and National Identity. The Dutch Case.