This is for mvd10 (sorry again for overlooking you! I loved your response!)
Would the CDA get broad-based appeal amongthe broader electorate including young adults and
non-religious voters (heck even muslim voters, once they settle and integrate over time) if they build themselves up as the "good government" and "pro-community" party without necessarily sacrificing their principles (what's the point of voting for similar shades, if everyone's the same)? Do you have any info behind the splits?
I really like this, yes austerity is painful but over the long-run it provides an opportunity to invest in future endeavors as budget policy is rebalanced. I know this is going into the fantastical but I wish governments had more structural surpluses which would mean it would be much easier to invest in one project or the other. Is there anything you'd like to see the surpluses spend on?
In respect to labor policy, is the issue as bad as it is in France (I understand France and to an extent Italy are countries where labor reform is being debated and considered)? How is the Dutch labor market, it is abound with good jobs with benefits that allow a measure of self-sufficiency for Dutch workers and families and allows them to save for the future?
On the housing issue, is Holland doomed to deal with pricey homes due to the fact that the country is only so large, how would you address it? With health care, deductibles are a downer but without them, the health care system could become overloaded and overwhelmed, at least with cost-sharing, you can incentivize folks to stay in tip-top shape as much as they can (and provide a safety net and a floor which serves as a baseline and floor for those in need).
In respect to the Dutch education system, is the three tier pathway basically akin to Germany's system, this does sound like a rather well-organized system with enough freedom for students with the drive to move up if they were sorted in the wrong track for whatever reason (bad year, bad teacher, etc). Why don't they just improve conditions in the VMBO schools (yes I understand it's easier said than done), I know this sounds stereotypical but it seems like the vocational track is more likely to have disadvantaged students (perhaps those with disabilities, or refugee students trying to fit in Dutch society), could developing a more holistic approach improving the VMBO schools and put those students on the wrong track (while almost promoting societal inclusion and social mobility?)?
Again, I hope some American opining on Dutch politics and policy isn't turning you off. The Dutch model seems to work well in some aspects even if I don't agree with everything the Netherlands does or trends.
