Dutch voters are not worried about the impact of the economic crisis, rising unemployment and climate change. They are furious. according to VU University research.

The research shows voters are ‘very, very angry’ about events, Trouw, which commissioned the research, said. Some 60% think the country needs a strong leader.

Women and the low-skilled in particular say they are angry or even disgusted by political parties. Almost half of PVV voters feel disgust as do 40% of 50Plus voters, Trouw says.

Embarrassed

The research shows many of those who voted for VVD prime minister Mark Rutte at last year’s election are now embarrassed by their choice. Labour leader Diederik Samsom is regarded by few voters as ‘inspiring’.

Only people who voted for the anti-immigration PVV remain enthusiastic about ‘their Geert’, Trouw says.

‘The Netherlands is not only on the financial edge but on the emotional edge,’ researcher André Krouwel told the paper. ‘Budget day is going to be difficult for the cabinet. If people are so angry and have so little hope, the last thing you should do is make cuts.’

The cabinet will present its 2014 spending plans to the public next Tuesday in the traditional Prinjesedag ceremony.