| A government that is truly there for its citizens makes plans that are feasible and executable. Cabinet plans should never lead to unrealistic or unlawful plans, with others being blamed if things go wrong. This is what the ombudsmen write in their annual report for 2024. They are critical of the caretaker cabinet that said it was looking at what was possible. “We saw a government that ignores signals, advice and rights. As a result, groups of citizens are structurally excluded.” In 2024, 27,000 citizens, children and veterans sought help from the National Ombudsman, Children’s Ombudsman and Veterans Ombudsman. An increase compared to the previous year. Many of the complaints could have been prevented if the government had listened to signals from society earlier. The rule of law does not protect itself In 2024, the ombudsmen called on governments to listen to citizens and involve them in the creation of laws and regulations. The same applies to executive organisations. Their knowledge of what works in practice is underused. The result: policy that affects people without their involvement. Such as student transport that does not meet the needs of children with a disability. Or municipalities that label emotional citizens as ‘aggressive’ and break off contact without investigating where this behavior comes from. Advice from agencies that are supposed to protect the rule of law is also not taken seriously. Such as with the new asylum legislation. With improper governance as a result. National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen: “If signals from society, implementation and supervision are not heard or are deliberately ignored, the citizen pays the price. A constitutional state does not protect itself. This requires a cabinet and government that listens and makes well-considered decisions.” Stage above the citizen According to the ombudsmen, actually helping people in the political debate does not seem to be a priority. “Bills, motions and amendments are more about the stage than about the citizen. Unrealistic promises create distrust and undermine confidence in the government, especially among the people for whom the plans are intended.” There are plans for better accessibility of services, but structural investments in implementing organisations and municipalities are lacking. And although it has been promised to generously compensate victims of the allowance scandal, parents now wait an average of 78 weeks for a response to their objection. For tens of thousands of parents, there is still no solution. Recognize mistakes and correct them The government will never be without mistakes, the ombudsmen acknowledge. But when things go wrong, you as a citizen may expect the government to acknowledge and correct them. Yet this still often goes wrong. In 2024, the National Ombudsman published his third report on Q fever patients. They are still waiting for apologies, recognition and help. Despite repeated requests from the ombudsman, apologies have not yet been forthcoming 15 years later. There are also good examples. For example, the Education Executive Agency (DUO) acknowledged that an algorithm disadvantaged students with a migration background when checking the non-resident grant. DUO apologized and is working on compensation. So it is possible: treating people fairly. “ Your rights”However, achieving is not something you first have to earn. Or only get when things have gone wrong,” the ombudsmen write. “The government must always treat everyone fairly. Even if there is no question of (honorary) guilt or reparation.” ‘Deafening silence’ For the second year in a row, the National Ombudsman is presenting the annual report to the Lower House today in a caretaker period. While people are yearning for solutions, the cabinet is standing on the sidelines and politics is watching. Four years ago, Van Zutphen spoke of a caretaker silence after the fall of Rutte III. Now his judgment is harsher: “The past two years have been truly deafeningly quiet.” According to the ombudsman, the government is letting people muddle through. “The benefits scandal knows no end, the reinforcement of Groningen has been delayed by four years and energy poverty is being combated with emergency funds. Structural solutions are lacking, while people have the right to honest and effective governance.” Van Zutphen calls on politicians: “Listen to what people need, be honest about what the government can and cannot do and above all: do what you promise. It is time to take responsibility and act, for the citizens of today and the citizens of the future.” |
| More information? Contact Merel Kaptein, spokesperson for the National Ombudsman, via 06-1104 5608 or m.kaptein@nationaleombudsman.nl |