Synopsis

There seems to be a fundamental flaw with the 2006 parliamentary elections. A growing number of critics argue that the campaign was devoid of substance. What should have been a celebration of democracy is, for many, met with a sense of Calvinistic resignation, without the illusion of influencing the pressing issues of the day. Politicians vehemently defend against this criticism. Prime Minister Balkenende recently dismissed it with a scornful remark about "a perpetually complaining intelligentsi