Billionaire Wealth a ‘Threat to Democracy’, Oxfam Novib Warns

The Hague – Being rich is one thing; buying political influence is another. A stark new report by Oxfam Novib warns that the explosive growth of billionaire wealth is posing a direct threat to democratic institutions, including here in the Netherlands.

The report reveals that the world’s super-rich saw their wealth surge by 16% in 2025 to a record $18.3 trillion. But closer to home, the figures are equally startling: the 500 richest Dutch people now own €273 billion—double the entire national healthcare budget.

Table of Contents

• The Gap: 500 People vs. The State
• Buying Power: The “Quote 500” Donors
• Director’s Warning: “Blatant and Shameless”
• The Global Picture: A New Gilded Age
• Key Takeaways
• Dutch Learning Corner
• Community CTA

The Gap: 500 People vs. The State

The scale of inequality in the Netherlands is staggering.

According to Oxfam Novib:
* The Elite: The 500 richest individuals (0.003% of the population) control 9% of the country’s total private wealth.
* The Comparison: Their combined €273 billion wealth is five times larger than the national education budget.

This concentration of capital allows a tiny minority to wield disproportionate economic power, overshadowing the needs of the average citizen.

Buying Power: The “Quote 500” Donors

The report argues this wealth isn’t just sitting in bank accounts; it’s shaping elections.

During last year’s Dutch elections, wealthy donors flexed their muscles:
* The Stat: Just 11 individuals from the Quote 500 list accounted for 20% of all political donations.
* The Direction: A massive 86% of that funding went to center and right-wing parties.

This pattern raises uncomfortable questions: Are politicians listening to voters, or to the donors who fund their campaigns?

Director’s Warning: “Blatant and Shameless”

Michiel Servaes, director of Oxfam Novib, did not hold back in his assessment.

“The influence of the super-rich is growing,” Servaes told RTL Nieuws. “They are richer than ever and they are using their power increasingly blatantly and shamelessly.”

He compared the situation in the Netherlands to the US, noting that Dutch business clubs are increasingly stepping out from behind the scenes to actively “lend a helping hand” to enable right-wing cabinets that favor deregulation and tax cuts.

The Global Picture: A New Gilded Age

Globally, the situation mirrors the Dutch trend.

The combined wealth of the world’s billionaires (€16 trillion) is now twice the total wealth held by the bottom 3.6 billion people.

Economists warn that this level of inequality stifles innovation and social mobility. When a small group controls the majority of resources, they can rewrite the rules of the economy to maintain their dominance, creating a cycle that is nearly impossible to break without systemic reform.

Key Takeaways

• The Wealth: Dutch top 500 own €273 billion (2x the healthcare budget).
• The Influence: 11 rich donors gave 20% of all Dutch political donations.
• The Trend: 86% of big donations went to center/right parties.
• The Warning: Oxfam calls this a direct threat to fair democracy.

Dutch Learning Corner

Source / Economy: Oxfam Novib Report & RTL Nieuws.