Eva Rovers stelt radicale oplossing voor: een derde kamer via loting
Den Haag, woensdag, 25 februari 2026.
De bekende schrijver en maatschappelijk activist Eva Rovers pleit voor een ingrijpende democratische hervorming: een Derde Kamer in Den Haag. Deze kamer zou bestaan uit 75 willekeurig gekozen burgers die via loting worden geselecteerd. Het idee komt voort uit ervaringen met succesvolle burgerberaden in Europa. Een Iers voorbeeld over abortus leidde tot een wet die 70 procent steun kreeg. In Nederland leverde het recente Nationaal Burgerberaad Klimaat twintig een concrete aanbevelingen voor duurzaam beleid. Rovers wijst erop dat politici nu nog vaak advisering negeren. Zij benadrukt dat dit systeem meer diversiteit en legitimiteit biedt dan het huidige. Haar boodschap is helder: democratie moet weer gemeenschappelijk werk worden.
a call for democratic renewal
Author and civic participation advocate Eva Rovers is calling for the creation of a Third Chamber in The Hague. This proposed body would act as a citizens’ parliament alongside the existing First and Second Chambers. Its members—75 randomly selected citizens—would engage in policy development through deliberative processes. Rovers argues this could counteract growing political alienation and polarization [1]. Her vision stems from concerns that representative democracy increasingly sidelines ordinary people [2]. Citizens now often feel powerless, much like individuals facing vast systemic challenges.
learning from ireland and local experiments
The Irish citizens’ assembly on abortion reform serves as a key precedent. Conducted in 2018, it led to legislative change supported by nearly 70 percent of voters [1]. Deliberative forums in cities like Paris, Brussels, and German-speaking Belgium also demonstrate feasibility [1]. In the Netherlands, around fifty citizen councils have already taken place—from Heerlen to Zeeland—with constructive outcomes [1]. Most recently, the National Climate Citizen Council produced 21 actionable recommendations aimed at meeting climate goals [1]. Despite this track record, such initiatives frequently receive limited media attention and insufficient political follow-up [1].
structural flaws in current representation
Rovers highlights structural weaknesses in today’s political landscape. Short election cycles and social media dynamics push politicians toward reactive posturing rather than long-term planning [1]. Complex files—on nitrogen, housing, digital security, and climate—are prone to gridlock amid partisan noise [1]. While elected officials focus on campaigns, fundamental institutional erosion occurs unnoticed. Examples include weakening press freedoms, sidelining advisory bodies like the Council of State, and restricting protest rights [1]. When governments dismiss citizen input as non-binding advice, public trust further deteriorates [1]. This undermines legitimacy and fuels disengagement.
design principles for a third chamber
The proposed Third Chamber would consist of 75 citizens chosen by lottery to mirror societal diversity [1]. Supported by experts and facilitators, participants would deliberate on legislation and policy proposals without party pressure [1]. Unlike adversarial debate formats, these discussions aim for common ground beyond slogans and ideology [1]. The process prioritizes listening, reflection, and consensus-building. To ensure impact, institutional safeguards must guarantee serious consideration of its outputs by cabinet and parliament [1]. Without formal mechanisms for implementation, participatory efforts risk being symbolic gestures rather than transformative tools [1].
political and cultural barriers ahead
While momentum grows for democratic innovation, significant obstacles remain. Mainstream parties have yet to formally adopt the idea of a permanent citizens’ chamber. Political resistance arises from fears of losing control over agendas and decision-making authority. Media coverage also poses a challenge—deliberative processes generate less immediate drama than confrontational debates, reducing visibility [1]. Yet Rovers believes inclusive dialogue offers an antidote to fragmentation. She continues promoting practical models through Bureau Burgerberaad, including youth councils designed to teach collaborative reasoning early [1]. Long-term success depends on both institutional anchoring and cultural shift.