New report accuses Dutch parliamentarians accused of normalising discriminatory language online

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (MNTV) — Discriminatory language used by members of the Dutch parliament is contributing to a rise in online hate speech, particularly targeting Muslims and Jews, according to a new report by the State Commission against Discrimination and Racism.

Citing research conducted by the University of Amsterdam, the commission found a direct link between controversial remarks made in the House of Representatives and spikes in discriminatory discourse on social media platforms.

Researchers analyzed nearly a decade of parliamentary speeches and interjections, along with close to three million YouTube comments posted between 2014 and 2024. 

The study — described as the first of its scale — identified a clear pattern: statements made in parliament are amplified by traditional media and then trigger surges of racist and discriminatory commentary online.

Commission chair Joyce Sylvester warned of a “negative spiral” in which discriminatory language becomes increasingly normalized.

“What you see is that it explodes: a statement in Parliament, then reprinted in a national newspaper, and then it explodes on social media,” Sylvester said, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS.

The report found that the strongest effects were observed in racist and anti-Muslim or anti-Jewish rhetoric, while the influence was less pronounced in cases involving sexism.

As one example, the commission cited remarks by far-right politician Geert Wilders, who referred to former Deputy Prime Minister Sigrid Kaag as a “witch.” 

The comment spread widely online and was echoed in attacks against other female politicians.

Established in 2022 following the childcare benefits scandal, the commission urged lawmakers, media outlets and social media companies to take greater responsibility and set clearer limits on discriminatory speech in public debate.