Public concern about the Netherlands and dissatisfaction with politicians has reached levels not seen in years, according to the latest survey into people’s attitudes by the government’s socio-economic think-tank SCP.

The survey, conducted over winter 2024/2025 and early spring, found that just 44% of people gave the now caretaker Schoof government a pass mark and almost six in 10 said the Netherlands is heading in the wrong direction.

The unease cuts across all age and education groups, and is shared by voters and non-voters alike. Main concerns include the cost of living, immigration, the shortage of affordable housing, social cohesion and political squabbling.

“The mood about the country and politics in 2025 is just as gloomy as in 2023,” said SCP researcher Josje den Ridder. “The worries people have are very similar. People feel that little has been resolved or improved in the past two years.”

The new SCP findings come just four months ahead of the general election, scheduled for 29 October.