The war in Israel may dominate the front pages but it has little impact on voters ahead of the Dutch election on November 22, according to research by Ipsos for broadcaster NOS.

Just 20% of those polled said the war between Hamas and Israel is important in deciding how to vote, and the same goes for the war in Ukraine.

Healthcare is an important issue for 65% of voters. Having a trustworthy government is in second place with 63%, followed by inflation on 62%, Dutch values (60%) and immigration and asylum (55%). 

Climate policy, however, is a concern for 46% of voters who consider themselves left of centre, but only 12% of those on the right of the political spectrum. 

Pieter Omtzigt remains the most popular choice for prime minister, followed by Dilan Yesilgöz, who has replaced Mark Rutte as head of the VVD and Frans Timmermans, who left the European commission to head up the GroenLinks/PvdA alliance. The three parties are currently well ahead of the field in the polls.

Voters from across the political spectrum would like to see Omtzigt’s new party NSC as part of the next coalition government.