Dutch more optimistic about 2015

The Daily Herald writes that more than seven in ten Dutch people are optimistic about 2015 and expect the economy to remain stable or improve, according to research by the government’s socio-cultural think tank SCP.

Just 18 months ago, only 47 per cent of Dutch had confidence in the economy, compared with 80 per cent before the start of the crisis in 2008.
Top of the current concerns is healthcare and care of the elderly – listed by 36 per cent of those polled as a major issue. This is followed by integration, which is considered a major social problem by 32 per cent. A year ago, just 17 per cent said integration is a major issue for Dutch society. Moroccans, Muslims and “Islamisation” are now regarded as the main problems rather than eastern Europeans, SCP said.
The survey is carried out every three months.