Misinformation About the Dutch Farm Crisis
Debunking four common misconceptions.
Nick Ottens is a journalist, former political risk consultant and former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has reported from Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for various Dutch- and English-language media, including the Atlantic Council, EUobserver, NRC, Trouw and World Politics Review.
Nick writes about the politics of France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States in Atlantic Sentinel and Wynia’s Week. In his spare time, he edits the online magazines Never Was and Forgotten Trek.
He is a member of the board of Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD.
Debunking four common misconceptions.
Farmers feel betrayed by the center-right. Giving in to their demands would upset the left.
Better to burn coal.
Some just won’t accept the evidence on decriminalization.
What Macron’s loss means for the Fifth Republic.
Macron has been weakened but remains in first place. The left has united, but it hasn’t grown.
One in three Dutch livestock farmers could lose their business.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo promised moderation. Moderates are still waiting.
The prime minister broke the rules, and his word.
Soldiers get a raise, the Air Force six F-35s and four Reaper drones.
Without their support, the prime minister would not have a majority in Congress.
There is not enough housing for immigrants.
The French president may defend his majority in parliament after all.
Far from trusting the market, politicians won’t leave housing alone.
Encouraging local zoning reform. Ending discrimination against prefabricated homes.