The newly launched private school run by the far‑right Forum for Democracy (FVD) has sparked sharp criticism in the Netherlands’ House of Representatives, with legislators warning that the country’s regulatory framework makes it overly simple to start small schools.
FVD’s educational venture
Earlier this week the FVD announced the opening of its first school, a modest institution intended to reflect the party’s conservative values. The school, located in a small town in the province of Gelderland, was formally inaugurated with a ceremony attended by party leader Thierry Baudet and local supporters. While the school’s curriculum has not been fully disclosed, its establishment marks a new front in the party’s strategy to influence Dutch society beyond the parliamentary arena.
Parliamentary backlash
Members of the Dutch parliament swiftly expressed concern, describing the initiative as a test of the nation’s educational safeguards. A spokesperson for the opposition warned that the FVD’s move could set a precedent for partisan groups to create schools with limited state oversight, potentially eroding the secular and inclusive character of the Dutch education system.
“It is too easy to set up a small school in the Netherlands,” a member of the House of Representatives said, according to De Telegraaf.
The criticism reflects broader anxieties about the rapid rise of the Forum for Democracy, a populist party that entered the national legislature in 2017 and has since become a polarising force. Led by Thierry Baudet, the party has been at the centre of numerous controversies, ranging from accusations of extremist rhetoric to disputes over its stance on climate policy and the European Union.
Under Dutch law, private schools can be founded with relatively low barriers, provided they meet basic standards for curriculum and staffing. Advocates argue this flexibility encourages parental choice and educational innovation. However, opponents contend that the same leniency can be exploited by ideologically driven groups to promote narrow agendas without sufficient public scrutiny.
In response to the FVD school, the parliamentary education committee has announced a review of the existing licensing process. Lawmakers are calling for stricter criteria that would require greater transparency regarding funding sources, governance structures, and adherence to national educational standards.
As the debate unfolds, the FVD’s school remains open, welcoming a small cohort of students. The episode underscores the tension between freedom of association and the state’s responsibility to ensure that all educational institutions operate within a framework that safeguards democratic values and equal opportunity.
