The Netherlands faces a multitude of pressing issues, including rising income inequality, declining literacy rates among youth, and widespread water pollution, while political discourse often fixates on manufactured problems. The country is also grappling with the global implications of climate change, the war in Ukraine, and the potential weakening of NATO.

Recent research suggests that the perceived divide between urban and rural populations in the Netherlands is largely a misconception. Despite this, politicians continue to exploit this imagined gap for political gain.

Other significant challenges include the increasing amount of time young people spend on their phones and the related rise in intolerance, as evidenced by a decline in acceptance of homosexuality and a higher suicide rate among LGBTQ+ youth. Furthermore, Dutch surface waters are heavily polluted due to industrial dumping and agricultural pesticide use, leading to elevated PFAS levels in the population and increased cancer risks.

The Dutch housing market is also experiencing a crisis, with rental prices soaring due to stalled housing projects related to nitrogen emissions regulations. Meanwhile, the agro-industry, a major contributor to these emissions, continues to operate largely unhindered, exporting a significant portion of its produce.

These critical issues are being overshadowed by political debates focused on fabricated problems, potentially leading to the election of politicians who will continue to ignore these pressing concerns. The lack of a mission-driven cabinet and the focus on insignificant issues in the media contribute to the neglect of real problems facing the Netherlands.