Cross-border behavior is a persistent problem in the House of Representatives. This emerges from the research on social security of the University of Utrecht. Almost half of the respondents sometimes see it happening, while almost nothing is done with the relationship. “The atmosphere in the House of Representatives is quite sick,” says political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen.
According to van Leeuwen, the problem lies mainly between civil servants and the leadership of the House of Representatives. «But also with party employees and with members of the Chamber, who get beaten in relation to each other. They really need to start behaving better.’
The 300-page report mentions yelling, harassment, political games, sexually oriented text messages and discrimination. “But almost nothing is done about it, the people who report it don’t feel heard.”
‘Group employees and MPs really need to start behaving better’
A recent example is the political row in which former House Speaker Arib was accused of waging a reign of terror. “Officials complained openly in the press, which erupted into a major political row with some defenders of Arib. Then even the officials felt they weren’t being listened to.”
Self-centered and narcissistic
According to the report, politicians in the House of Representatives are “selfish and narcissistic people,” says Van Leeuwen. “People who feel untouchable in the House of Representatives and in the political Hague”. A report of intimidating behavior is often politically biased, says Van Leeuwen. ‘But ultimately, politics is in power, even on the board of the House of Representatives. That is presided over by politicians.’ Reports are also often swept under the rug by various political groups.
The current Speaker of the Chamber, Vera Bergkamp ​​, announced the investigation in 2021. Now it’s up to her to find solutions. Van Leeuwen doubts it will work. ‘It remains a political game, a political arena. The work pressure is very high. It needs to improve procedures and control what is done with complaints.’
According to Van Leeuwen, the problem is deeply rooted and mistrust is high. “I’ll have to see how fast that works.”
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
