More Colour in Politics

Most Asian Dutch are entrepreneurs and work hard, behave nicely and hardly cause any problems in society.

Discussions about Chinese influence often lump together the whole range of influence, influence, interference and even sabotage. Moreover, allegations of interference by the Chinese government have extremely negative consequences for Chinese-Dutch individuals, companies and institutions, even when they are completely blameless.

More colour in politics and more diversity at the top of business. Focus on restoring trust between government and citizens. Talent and ability should not be determined in job applications by appearance or surname, gender or age.

Political youth have been asking for more diversity in the Lower House for years. The youth organisations of various political parties urge their party to put more people from different backgrounds on the candidate list. Minorities should also be able to identify with their parliamentary representation.

The year 2021 after the Lower House elections was supposed to be the breakthrough of a parliament that better reflects society, with more coloured political talent. Reality still lags disappointingly behind. It has been 20 years since the Lower House had the most members with a bicultural background.

Political parties should choose their candidates for their knowledge and experience, not for their origin. MPs are also not waiting for the stamp 'MP of colour'. NL Plan does not have a diversity committee, is aware of the danger of clientelism, nepotism and far-right politics making diversity less important, but is also aware of its legitimacy and firm foundation in the political landscape.

In politics, we are not only concerned with racism or refugees, but with experts in economics, education, engineering, media, culture and science who have both feet firmly on the ground, a PLAN is being worked out for the Netherlands.

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