Diversity not a priority for many local parties

Even though diversity is a national theme in the Netherlands - with the Dutch Cabinet containing an equal number of men and women for the first time - the municipal councils still mainly consist of older, white men, EenVandaag and the Dutch Association of Councilors found in a survey of nearly 1,000 current city councilors. Putting together a diverse list of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections was also not a priority for many local parties, EenVandaag reports. The researchers also found that councilors from underrepresented groups - women, ethically diverse people, young people - often don't feel accepted or included. Half said they don't feel accepted by citizens, 57 percent by other municipal councilors, and 45 percent by the aldermen and mayor.