The Great Ideology Debate

• Date: 01 October
• Time: 19:30 - 21:00
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Please note that this event will be held in Dutch

Does “substance” still matter in politics in The Hague? And how much space is there for ideological debate?

In the midst of a heated election campaign full of one-liners and soundbites, the Democracy & Debate Committee of Nieuwspoort organizes the Great Ideology Debate. Six directors of six party think tanks will cross swords on their policies and display their ideological colors. How wide is the ideological gap between them? Where are the main differences? And do these differences still receive enough attention?

Participants include Pieter Jan Dijkman (Scientific Institute CDA), Noortje Thijssen (Scientific Bureau GroenLinks), Patrick van Schie (Telders Foundation, VVD), Afke Groen (Hans van Mierlo Foundation, D66), Stephan Nuij (Scientific Bureau BBB), and Ruud Kuin (Scientific Bureau SP).

The evening will be introduced by NSC Member of Parliament Rosanne Hertzberger. The sole jury member is Professor Tom van der Meer, author of the book “Values-less Politics”. According to him, which ideologue makes the most valuable contribution? The presentation is hosted by Irene de Kruif (RTL Nieuws) and Joost Bekendam (Pauw & De Wit).

Practical information:
Date: 1 October 2025
Doors open: 19:00
Start: 19:30
Admission: Free with a ticket!

This debate is organized by the Democracy & Debate Committee of Nieuwspoort.

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