This podcast discusses the political situations in Spain and the Netherlands, with a focus on the rise of far-right parties in the Netherlands and the left-leaning coalition in Spain. They also touch on topics such as government formation, film success, tax havens, and the power of kindness.
The Dutch election saw the far-right populist leader, Kurt Wilders, win about 25% of the seats in parliament, raising concerns about the rise of right-wing populism in Europe.
An unlikely coalition was formed in Spain to keep the center-right Popular Party out of the cabinet and maintain Pedro Sanchez as the Prime Minister, representing a significant accomplishment in unifying the left and preventing a right-wing government from taking power.
Deep dives
Far-right populist leader wins big in Dutch election
The recent Dutch election saw the far-right populist leader, Kurt Wilders, win about 25% of the seats in parliament, despite his controversial history and extremist policies. Wilders has made Islamophobic statements, compared the Quran to Mein Kampf, and proposed policies to ban the book, cut funding for green projects and the arts, shut down the public broadcaster, and withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. The election results have sparked concerns about the rise of right-wing populism in Europe, and the potential impact on social cohesion and relations with the EU.
Unlikely left-wing coalition forms a government in Spain
In Spain, an unlikely coalition was formed among various left-wing parties and separatist parties to keep the center-right Popular Party out of the cabinet and maintain Pedro Sanchez as the Prime Minister. The coalition negotiations took months but ultimately proved successful. The coalition government will face challenges in passing legislation due to the differing views and priorities of the parties involved, but it represents a significant accomplishment in unifying the left and preventing a right-wing government from taking power.
Concerns over the future of the Netherlands and Europe
The success of the far-right in the Dutch election and the potential for them to gain power is causing concern for many, particularly within marginalized communities and artists. The victory of the far-right leader raises fears about the spread of right-wing populism across Europe, with leaders like Orban, Salvini, and Le Pen gaining popularity in other countries as well. The rise of right-wing populist movements and their effective rhetoric is seen as a great challenge for proponents of progressive values and democracy across the continent.
Efforts to counter loneliness and foster community in the NHI
Amidst the challenges and concerns, there are initiatives aimed at fostering community and addressing societal issues. In Lulia, Sweden, the city has launched a campaign called 'Say Hey' encouraging people to greet each other on the street and engage in small interactions with strangers. The initiative acknowledges the impact of these interactions on well-being and aims to combat loneliness. While it may seem like a small intervention, research suggests that these simple greetings can have a positive effect on individuals and contribute to a sense of well-being and safety in communities.
In Spain, an unlikely left-leaning coalition has managed to block the right from taking power; in the Netherlands, the far-right has come out on top. This week we’re talking about two very different political situations with the help of Politico reporter Aitor Hernández-Morales and producer Katz Laszlo in Amsterdam.
You can follow Aitor on Twitter here and read his reporting here. Our episode about life as an undocumented person in the Netherlands, ‘Mohamed’, is here.
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This week's Inspiration Station offerings: ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, ‘Ordinary People’, and ‘Treasure Islands’ by Nicholas Shaxson.