Storm Clouds Over Dutch Higher Education: Impact of Far-Right Victory on Universities

Amidst a political landscape shift in the Netherlands, concerns arise over the potential ramifications on higher education. The unexpected surge of far-right parties could reshape policies, impacting international students and the scientific community. As far-right parties gain unexpected traction in the Netherlands, the ramifications extend beyond political arenas into the academic landscape. The recent victory of the Party for Freedom (PVV) and its leader, Geert Wilders, has sparked apprehensions within the scientific community about the potential impact on education, research, and international collaboration. The Threat to Internationalization: The PVV's manifesto sends ripples through Dutch universities, with a call to restrict internationalization. A Wilders-led government could impose severe restrictions on international students, comprising 15% of the university population. The proposal to eliminate English-language undergraduate courses raises concerns about the quality