Perception is reality

Perception is reality

3 October 2026

This could be a book in itself. But it nevertheless began to dawn on me.

Yesterday, the King received the results of an extensive study into the role of his ancestors in colonialism and slavery. It has been presented in such a way that the perception is more likely to improve than deteriorate. And in the coming years, many will devote their time to this. Some will perceive it as useful, others as a waste of time stating the obvious.

Another perception that is increasingly taking shape is that of our democracy. Some see the erosion, but many do not. This is what people voted for.

At present, there are no longer regular press conferences following meetings of the Council of Ministers. The government refuses to publish laws passed by Parliament, preventing them from entering into force. Examples include the property tax law, the General Pension Act and the Single-Use Plastics Act.

The government does not implement court rulings; this is confirmed, among others, by the Ombudsman’s investigation. The government also refuses to regulate the legal position of the Ombudsman.

Never before have so many building permits been issued. Where the courts threaten to halt construction projects, decisions are replaced so that construction can continue. The AOV pension is legally required to be adjusted, and the government simply does not do so.

After Campo Alegre, the government is now buying the former Sehos hospital and does not wish to disclose the purchase price.

But the perception being created is that everything is going well for everyone and that there are no limits to the carrying capacity. And perhaps that is precisely the essence: as long as the perception remains intact, reality seems to matter less and less.

Miguel Goede