The Netherlands is once again heading into elections, in a time marked by polarisation, uncertainty, and growing distrust in politics. In this context, it may sound naïve to call for something as seemingly simple as: let facts take center stage. But precisely now, that is a radical and necessary stance.

In recent years, we’ve seen election campaigns increasingly revolve around framing, image-building, and emotional manipulation. Whether the topic is migration, nitrogen, climate, housing, or security, too often complex problems are reduced to simplistic slogans. Fear sells, facts don’t. But the price we pay is steep: ineffective policies, citizens pitted against one another, and a democracy that is gradually being hollowed out.

Democracy requires truth

A healthy democracy is only possible if citizens have access to reliable information and if politicians are willing to be honest about the challenges we face. That demands leadership that doesn’t hide behind opinion polls or algorithms, but dares to speak the truth – even when it’s uncomfortable. Facts matter. Only with facts can we build lasting solutions.

Not a plea for technocracy

Calling for facts to take center stage is not a plea for technocracy or detached policy-making. On the contrary: facts provide the foundation to clarify moral and political choices. They reveal where tensions arise, where inequality is growing, where climate action is stalling, or where tax evasion is rampant. Facts equip citizens to scrutinise policy – and to hold politicians accountable.

DiEM25 stands for transparency

At DiEM25, we choose radical transparency and evidence-based politics. Our proposals for a Green New Deal for Europe, democratising the economy, and a humane migration policy are all grounded in thorough analysis and empirical research. We believe that political conviction and facts are not mutually exclusive – they reinforce one another.

A chance for this campaign

This upcoming campaign is an opportunity to shift the tide. As a society, let’s demand that parties back up their plans with facts. Let’s support journalists who ask the tough questions rather than echo talking points. And let’s remain critical as citizens – even of the politicians we agree with. Facts are not left or right. But they are essential to a just society.

Facts are not a luxury. They are the foundation of any credible politics. And they deserve a central place in the election campaign.

“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts,” Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Carpe DiEM

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