Hicham El Ouahabi | We’re back in line for a political illusion
The government had fallen — a fact columnist Hicham El Ouahabi found out a little too late. A shame, because for his studies, this cabinet had been excellent material. “Thanks to it, I breezed through courses like Constitutional Law and Democracy & Rule of Law. Never had a subject been so visible and tangible at the same time.”
The downside of not having social media is that you’re always late to find things out. I was on a flight recently, staring out the window, when the passenger next to me told me the government had fallen — four days ago already. Finding out from a stranger in mid-air, four days later, is painfully embarrassing for a student of public and constitutional law. As I sat there, ashamed of my late awakening, the sun streamed unhindered into the plane.
People in suits in The Hague have been saying it for years: politics needs to get closer to the people. Well, we’ve felt that — and how. First, the news about cuts to education and science, which are now being implemented. Then the delayed plan to squeeze institutions like Crea and USC as well, because they supposedly ‘distort the market’. Loosely translated: gym memberships at Vondelgym prices and coffee at Schiphol rates.
But yes, fallen. In a way, that’s a shame too — I had a sort of secret affair with it. Thanks to it, I breezed through courses like Constitutional Law and Democracy & Rule of Law. Never had a subject been so visible and tangible at once. The best part? No books needed — just turn on the NOS news and the material played out live before my eyes.
So, they were entertaining times. Until now. Until you realize that a government collapse also means paralysis. Especially for those of us trying to move forward here on campus. Yet another dent in what we once called ‘the future’. But really, what does it matter anymore? Take housing. You’ve already been waiting fifty years. So whether it’s 51 or 57 — who even notices the difference?
I heard in a podcast recently that Gen Z is becoming more religious again. Makes sense. The climate is collapsing, war is sitting on the nightstand, affordable housing is a distant dream, mental health is a national crisis. And meanwhile, one cabinet after another crumbles, and we’re allowed to line up again for a political illusion. No wonder Gen Z is looking for something that does last. God, then. Is it something I’d recommend? In my experience, that one’s absent too. No better than politics. Though at least he or she doesn’t lie. Just says: you shall suffer. Refreshingly honest.
Back in the here and now, there’s also some good news: the academic year is nearly over. Eleven months of lectures, papers, and endless screen-staring are almost behind us. As long as this cabinet lasted, in fact. So to everyone still studying: respect. We are resilient. More resilient than anyone in a suit. Because what did we do when it got tough? That’s right: locked ourselves in, studied harder, popped the Ritalin, and pushed through. And meanwhile, sank ever deeper into the red with DUO. Because the ones who persevere? They go into debt. The ones who bail? They get severance pay. Unfair? Eh. Soon it’ll end for us too. Then we can do the same.
But for now? Now it’s time to wrap things up. Then breathe, feel the sun on your skin again, and enjoy every sip of that €3.40 beer at CREA — while it’s still not ‘distorting the market’. Cheers! To summer, to us, to survival!
