Digitalization Takes Center Stage in Dutch Election Campaigns

2025-10-13 community

The Hague, Monday, 13 October 2025.
As the Netherlands gears up for elections, digitalization becomes a key debate topic, stressing IT expertise, privacy, and AI, amid concerns of insufficient governmental expertise.

The Role of IT Expertise in Elections

As the Dutch elections approach, the emphasis on digitalization in party programs is more pronounced than ever. Key figures like Nathalie van Berkel from D66 highlight the necessity of IT expertise in the Tweede Kamer to address pressing issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence applications [1]. Despite this focus, there remains a significant gap between the political acknowledgment of digital issues and the actual IT expertise available within the government [1].

Political Disparities in Digitalization

Several IT experts have been included in the candidate lists of political parties, including Harmen Krul (CDA) and Joost Sneller and Hanneke van der Werf from D66 [1]. However, the placement of IT-focused candidates often reflects a lack of prioritization, with many not positioned in electable spots. For instance, Barbara Kathmann (GL-PvdA) was demoted from 18th to 32nd place, signaling a possible political undervaluation of digital expertise [1].

Potential Solutions for Digital Governance

The creation of a dedicated Minister or State Secretary for Digital Affairs is proposed by only five parties, including D66, Volt, and GL-PvdA, as a means to ensure continuity and political influence for digital issues [1]. This is seen as a critical step in addressing the structural replacement of digital experts and the lack of sustained attention to digital sovereignty and privacy concerns [1].

Public and Academic Advocacy

The push for greater political attention to digital issues is supported by academics and initiatives like NerdVote, which aim to engage voters and experts in giving digital sovereignty more weight in politics [1]. Professors like Reijer Passchier advocate for increased political focus on digital matters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate these themes into the broader political landscape [1].

Bronnen

digitalization politics