Netherlands - 95.26
4
Libertarian in practice, if not on paper
The Netherlands underwent a rare political scandal in early 2021, as the previously popular government of Mark Rutte and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy collapsed after a scandal regarding childcare benefits fraud. Rutte and his cabinet resigned, with Rutte staying on as a caretaker prime minister during the longest government formation process in Dutch history. Despite this recent political hiccup, the Netherlands remains a country committed to democracy and world-renowned for its freedom. The Netherland’s general approach to freedom is to not enforce most of its potentially restrictive laws, costing it some points for keeping these laws on the books but still creating one of the freest environments of any country in the world. The Netherlands lost some points in human rights for the administration of the Dutch Caribbean that did not prioritize human rights to the same extent as the central Dutch government in the Netherlands.
Human Rights - 96
Netherlands (89/90): The Netherlands has fully abolished the death penalty. Medically-assisted suicide is legal with a number of provisions in the Netherlands. A provision allowing for the euthanasia of terminally ill children between the ages of 12-16 with the mandatory consent of the child and any legal guardians was controversial. Terrorism suspects can be held under “reasonable suspicion,” rather than “serious suspicion” (the requirement for suspects of all other crimes) for up to fourteen days. The Netherlands does not have a bail system and detainees can instead request a bail-like release on grounds of safety. This system was functional and safe release was generally granted. The Netherlands guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights. Abortion is legal without a gestational limit.
Dutch Caribbean (7/10): The death penalty was fully abolished in all Dutch holdings in the Caribbean. Venezuelan refugees in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten were generally treated as economic migrants, rather than refugees seeking political asylum. Only in cases of documented individual persecution of migrants by the Venezuelan government were they treated as refugees. Venezuelan migrants were held in poor conditions for extended periods of time while awaiting deportation. Prisons in the Dutch Caribbean were severely overcrowded, with prisoners in Sint Maarten often being held for significantly longer than the prescribed ten day period in police stations due to a lack of available prison cells. Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten recognize same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands but do not perform same-sex marriages, while the Dutch Lesser Antilles performs same-sex marriages. Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten also prohibit homosexuals from adopting but recognize Dutch adoption certificates. All Dutch holdings in the Caribbean allow abortion without a gestational limit.
Democracy - 94
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, limiting their score to 95. The Prime Minister is appointed by parliament and approved by the largely ceremonial King. Parliament is directly elected, and elections are free and fair with a strong multi-party system.
Freedom - 92
It is a crime to “verbally or in writing or image deliberately offend a group of people because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.” A violation is punishable by up to two years prison time, but this law went generally unenforced and was used primarily against public figures. Sale of Mein Kampf or display of swastikas was heavily prohibited. The Netherlands bans wearing burqas or hijabs in government buildings or public transit, though these laws have never seen enforcement. The Netherlands technically banns all drugs, but these laws are seldom enforced and Dutch drug law is primarily focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Addicts in recovery can access drugs to wean themselves off in government-approved rehabilitation facilities. The Netherlands may issue gun ownership licenses for bolt-action rifles and shotguns.
Economy - 100
0.1% of Dutch live below the international poverty line, while 13.6% live below the national poverty line. 4% of Dutch are unemployed. The Netherlands has incredibly low economic disparity. Minimum wage in the Netherlands is $1835 per month. The Netherlands boasts one of the strongest universal healthcare systems in the world, with all Dutch having access to government-provided health insurance. Private health insurance is still available, and some wealthy Dutch choose private insurance. The Dutch economy shrunk 3.7% in 2020 and grew 1.7% in 2019.
Health - 100
The Netherlands has a life expectancy of 82 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.3%. 20.4% of Dutch are obese and 1.5% are malnourished. The Dutch healthcare system is world-class, with high-quality care being provided free to all Dutch citizens under a government-provided insurance scheme. All Dutch have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 100
The Netherlands has no serious problem with corruption and has some of the strongest measures in the world regarding lobbying.
Competency - 97
The Netherlands has failed to repeal or use unenforced laws.
Future - 88
The Netherlands faces the persistent threat of climate change, but is responding accordingly and is building a major seawall along its coast.
Actions Abroad - 84
The Netherlands largely shirked its colonial responsibility for colonial holdings in Africa, allowing Britain to take colonial responsibility for South Africa. Suriname had severed relations with the Netherlands until the 2020 election, when relations were restored. The Netherlands maintains close relations with and is a major investor in Indonesia. The Netherlands is largely isolationist and maintains good relations with most nations.