Dutch more worried about their culture than economy

The Dutch are more worried about their culture than about the economy. They are also much more worried about ordinary crime than about terrorism, according to a survey by the National Anti-terrorism Coordinator (NCTB) for the Government Information Service (RVD).

Respondents were allowed to say spontaneously what causes them the most concern at the moment. The loss of (Dutch) standards and values emerged as of greatest concern (18 percent). This was followed by joblessness/employment (13 percent) and safety on the street (13 percent).

Only 1 percent named terrorism and terrorist attacks. This was also the case in 2008. On the other hand, 6 percent now say radicalisation is their greatest worry, where last year apparently nobody gave this answer (0 percent).

Also remarkable is the fact that the Dutch were most concerned about the economy (41 percent) last year, but that this worry is now no longer among the top three. The survey also showed that the Dutch have become more fearful in public transport; 35 percent said they sometimes or often feel unsafe in buses, trains or metros, compared with 27 percent in 2008.

Source: NIS News, 27 November 2009