So my point is really that a discussion over a few tientjes of eigen risico is not enough of a discussion on redistribution

It’s not really the communication that I’m talking about though, it’s that the underlying discussion is so limited in its different options. That finds its expression really clearly for me in the very small differences in policy proposals for the eigen risico (ignoring unrealistic Wilders stuff)

My point is not that they talk about big issues in this roundabout way but that they do that through small beer bickering instead of a real differentiation.

That's fair, probably too strong in that and the shift from some of them on that issue is actually relevant and interesting. Don't think that changes my main point though (which is that I find the bickering over de eigen risico very very very annoying)

Here’s one of those takes I disagree with. This wasn’t a contest between Jetten and Wilders economist.com/europe/2025/...

“We now go live to Venray for a key race alert!”

De Commissie houdt dit al een tijdje in de gaten (publiceren maandelijks een onleesbaar rapport waarin textiel inderdaad naar voren komt als een sector waarin import vanuit China sterk toeneemt terwijl prijzen dalen). Ze hebben ook al gezegd dat ze maatregelen nemen zodra er genoeg bewijs is.

Going to try to get "racist makelaar party JA21" into our style guide

When will I be able to get my grubby Western European hands on it?

Not sure anyone is trusting Trump’s words though, just as Trump shouldn’t trust the EU’s word when it comes to all the import and investment promises. The Europeans have just bought some time.

There is something endearingly polite about him just 'recommending' a 50% tariff, as if he isn't already the American Sun King

Billions spent on research by the medical establishment every year and they still don't understand that I didn't stop wanting a sticker for being a brave boy when I turned 10

Suspect it’s just a colour thing, next time ask for a black one

We've already established that the formula is ... well ... nonsense. But in the Swiss case, the figures are inflated by investors moving gold into the US at the end of last year due to - that's right! - the threat of tariffs. Exclude those flows and Swiss exports would be subject to 20%.