According to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the guide in question aims to promote the concept of “diversity” and ensure that public officials include “families of all shapes and sizes” in their communications.

This decision has sparked strong reactions, with former MEP Rob Roos describing the guide as “woke sh*t”.

Even the Minister of Education, Eppo Bruins—who belongs to the same liberal party (VVD) as the new Prime Minister—called the guide “over the top.” He admitted it is not “necessarily the best” guide, raising questions about who is actually leading the ministry.

Writer Maraike Houthuijse pointed to the dangerous trend of defining which words are allowed to be used, stating that “when the government dictates which words must be used, those in power control language.” This aligns with government proposals to grant police more authority to monitor citizens online, even without serious suspicion of criminal activity.

Author Klaas Wilting said the language guide proves that “The Hague has completely lost touch with reality, and that this madness costs money.”

Additionally, the guide discourages the use of terms like “white” and “Golden Age,” and even suggests capitalizing “Black,” especially when referring to a “shared cultural identity.”