As right-leaning parties gain traction across Europe, veteran Dutch politician Frans Timmermans is calling for a clear response from the left. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, the former EU Commissioner and long-time Foreign Minister criticized those who attribute societal challenges, from housing shortages to healthcare strains, solely to asylum seekers, asserting it misleads voters.
Likely to lead a coalition of Social Democrats and Greens in the upcoming parliamentary elections in October, Timmermans previously attempted to become Prime Minister in November 2023, when the Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders emerged as the strongest force.
He aims to counter what he describes as right-wing policies driven by fear with a platform built on hope and optimism. Timmermans emphasized the importance of demonstrating achievable dreams, contrasting this with what he sees as the right’s tendency to bind people to their anxieties. He argues that democracy is not salvaged through apocalyptic rhetoric, but through concrete solutions – for example, a more equitable distribution of income and a pragmatic migration policy that combines control with solidarity.
Regarding security and defense, Timmermans advocates for greater European autonomy. He notes that currently, nearly three-quarters of European defense spending flows outside the continent, highlighting a significant opportunity for change. The threat posed by Russia, he argues, demands a shift in perspective: “We need Europe. We must invest in Europe”. He further contends that austerity should no longer be the dominant priority in European budgetary policy, pointing to recent decisions by a German government, previously led by the CDU, which committed substantial funds to defense and economic development-a model he believes is achievable in the Netherlands.
Timmermans criticized the recent government led by Wilders’ party as unproductive, stating, “Absolutely nothing was achieved during that time”. He expressed concern over the diminishing public trust in politics. He acknowledged that right-wing politicians have effectively exploited feelings of lost control amidst a series of crises and conflicts, urging a focus on reason over emotion to prevent further alienation from the political process. He concludes that offering actionable solutions is crucial for combating democratic disillusionment.