Apres les assassinats de Fortuyn et de Van Gogh: le modele d'integration hollandais en deroute?

In: Critique internationale: revue comparative de sciences sociales, Heft 4, S. 9-26

Abstract

The Netherlands used to have an international reputation of a tolerant country & within Europe a guide country for progressive integration policies for newcomers. The political landslide victory of the party of Pim Fortuyn & his assassination in 2002, & the subsequent murder of Theo van Gogh in 2004 seem to have radically altered that traditional image. This article analyses the background of these changes: tracing them back to the Ethnic Minorities Policy established & implemented in the depoliticized context of the 1980s. It then outlines the gradual changes towards more 'Republican' integration policies in the 1990s & finally describes the extreme politicization of immigration & integration policies since 2000. Dutch society's obsession, at least in the public debate & political & policymaking choices at the national level, has had such far reaching negative effects that counterforces, particularly at the local level & in civil society, will likely be able to turn the tide towards more balance in the near future. Adapted from the source document.