The Most Votes Don’t Count

• Date: 16 March
• Time: 19:30 - 21:00
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Sander Heijne on How to Save Democracy

Disinformation and political lies can cause real harm to people’s lives. The childcare benefits scandal and the migration debate make this painfully clear. At the same time, attacks on institutions such as the Council of State, the Dutch public broadcaster NOS, and local politicians are in full swing — not only from the fringes of society, but increasingly from the very centre of political power. Can we still reverse the tide of a crumbling democracy?

In The Most Votes Don’t Count, Sander Heijne shows how citizens can reclaim their power. What can we do about polarising politicians and all-powerful multinationals? While politicians argue over cattle manure and royal honours, Big Tech is quietly shaping our future. Through compelling stories and original insights, Heijne delivers a lecture explaining why we must radically change our democracy in order to save it.

Sander will also be in conversation with journalist Laila Frank about the fundamental problems — and hopeful solutions — facing democracy today. What can we, as individual citizens, actually do? The Most Votes Don’t Count makes clear how enormous the challenge is, but above all inspires audiences to take action together.

Speakers

• Sander Heijne – Editor-in-chief of Vrij Nederland and author of The Most Votes Don’t Count: Why Politics Keeps Letting Us Down.

• Laila Frank – Journalist and presenter of, among others, the NPO Radio 1 programme Bureau Buitenland; writes for Vrij Nederland on the United States and frequently appears at Haagsch College events.

Practical information

• Date: Evening of 16 March 2026

• Doors open: 19:00

• Start: 19:30

• End: 21:00

• Tickets:

  • Regular: €19.50 per person

  • Poorters / Nieuwspoort members: €16.50 per person

Chef’s Special
You can enjoy a meal before the event. Order the Chef’s Special (€16.50) in addition to your event ticket and you will be welcome in the restaurant from 18:00. Details of the Chef’s Special menu will be announced soon.

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