Hi, I am thinking of studying in Eindhoven, there is a master’s degree I really like. I have been interested in the Netherlands for quite some time since urbanists think really highly of the country. I got the news of the far-right winning the first round of the elections and that got me concerned.
I would like to know how local leftists view the change, abject terror? or “whatever” we got a robust system they won’t be able to do much harm?
I definitely see a lot of shock in my circles, but personally, I think we’ll have to wait and see what happens. It’s not a given that they’ll form a government, and even if they’ll do, they’ll have to collaborate with regular right-wing parties, so that limits the “damage” somewhat.
That said, housing is really problematic, and multiple parties have called for reducing the number of people coming here from abroad to study (and then not being able to find a place to live, or having to pay ridiculous amounts to do so). On the other hand, Eindhoven is a very international area, is very dependent on talent from abroad, and will certainly oppose that. The Greens/Labour party received most votes there (though PVV was still a close second), so like in most cities, you’ll barely notice the political winds in your personal life, I expect.