Ethical Leadership

Ethical Leadership: A Mirror of Society

Ethical leadership is something many of us confront but few truly practice. How ethical was it to go on vacation while the whole of the Netherlands was in lockdown?

But you may not have

an active recollection of this anymore?

It is a well-known phrase: "I have no active recollection of that." These words were frequently used by Mark Rutte, including in 2018 when his then-deputy Halbe Zijlstra lied about a meeting with Russian President Putin. Rutte also used the phrase in the spring of 2021 during the formation debate regarding the controversial memo that mentioned Member of Parliament Pieter Omtzigt. The editor-in-chief of Van Dale counted "many hundreds" of times that the term was used. The usage has now become so ingrained that the term has earned a place in the Van Dale dictionary (source).

At a court hearing in 2024, a defendant used this phrase in his defense. This elicited laughter from those present, illustrating how the statements of leaders can influence broader society.

The Effect of Unethical Leadership

Mark Rutte stated in July 2022: "I am not going to NATO and I am not going to the European Union." However, in 2024, he was appointed Secretary-General of NATO. During Rutte I's cabinet, billions were cut from defense, while as NATO chief he now advocates for increased defense spending. In 2025, he even stated: "More money for defense, otherwise we might as well learn Russian or move to New Zealand."

These political shifts raise questions about consistency and ethical leadership. How do such choices impact public trust in their leaders?

Rutte III's cabinet did not immediately share essential information regarding the childcare benefits scandal with Parliament. The affair involved wrongful accusations of fraud against parents receiving childcare benefits. The Tax Administration accused thousands of parents of fraud, often based on incorrect data. These parents were forced to repay large sums, leading many families into financial distress. In some cases, children were placed in foster care because their parents could no longer support them. Particularly distressing was that some of these children could no longer be located, raising serious concerns about their well-being.

The benefits scandal fully came to light in 2019, although it had begun in 2005. Only after years of damage and claims was it made public. In 2020, broad acknowledgment of the mistakes and damages occurred, and since then, compensation has been provided to affected parents. This led to a parliamentary inquiry and political accountability. It took more than 15 years for the issue to be properly addressed.

As of 2025, progress has been made, but many consequences of the benefits scandal remain visible. Compensation has been paid to wrongfully disadvantaged parents, and the Tax Administration has apologized for its mistakes. Legislation has been adjusted to prevent future errors, including more transparency and less rigidity in benefits systems.

Unfortunately, many parents still face the long-term consequences of the scandal, such as debt, loss of trust in the government, and trauma. There are also still cases of children who were difficult to trace or placed in foster care. Some of these children remain missing, raising serious concerns about their well-being and safety. While some damages have been compensated, fully restoring trust and the lives of affected families remains a long process.

As NATO Secretary-General, Rutte enjoys diplomatic immunity and tax-free benefits, such as an official residence in Brussels. This raises broader questions about the differences in accountability and privileges between national and international leaders.

Recently leaked government documents shed new light on the role of influential figures in political decision-making. These documents reveal that King Willem-Alexander held discussions with a government official regarding the position of his sister-in-law in the resolution of the childcare benefits scandal. This is remarkable, as Dutch law stipulates that the king must not interfere in political affairs. The fact that such an appointment was subsequently pushed through in an unusual manner within the government raises serious questions about the boundaries between politics and royal authority.

The Impact of Unethical Leadership on Society

When leaders act inconsistently or unethically, it affects public trust in the government. Ethical leadership is crucial to the well-being of a society. The example set by leaders is often followed by others in society. When leaders behave unethically, they can create a culture of distrust and injustice. This can lead to broader societal alienation and a decline in public confidence in institutions and the legal system.

It is essential that leaders are aware of the consequences of their actions and strive for ethical behavior. Only through consistent ethical conduct can they gain and maintain society's trust. Leadership based on transparency, honesty, and accountability will benefit not only the immediate environment but also society as a whole. Restoring trust begins with demonstrating true responsibility and serving the common good over personal ambitions.