THUAS students at the NOS final debate

Thanks to previous collaborations with our colleagues from The Lighthouse, several students had the opportunity to attend the event live from the audience gallery. “You learn more about politics here than from a book. You feel the tension and see what debating really means”, says Kris Haak (student of International Public Policy & Leadership).

Under the moderation of Winfried Baijens and Rob Trip, six smaller parties debated first, followed by nine larger ones. This experience offered more than just political observation; it was a unique learning environment outside the classroom. The attending students witnessed how preparation, pace, and stress influence the debate process.

Respectful

By following the debate live, they could immediately apply what they discuss in lectures: arguing under pressure, the power of rhetoric, and how context and timing shape a policy message.

What struck many students was the fine line between persuasion and polarization. They saw how emotions can quickly take over, and how calmness and clarity often leave the strongest impression. “You could see how hard it is to really let each other finish speaking”, says Bregje den Ouden (Public Administration/Government Management). “I realized how important it is to keep listening respectfully, even in a heated discussion.”

A complex world

Attending the NOS Final Debate gave our students a realistic and in-depth view of politics in practice: not just what the positions are, but also how those positions are presented, criticized, and weighed against complex societal choices. For student Saartje Luipen (International and European Law), it was an inspiring experience: “I think this was a special opportunity for us to witness. It’s not just about the politicians and their message for the elections, but also about seeing how this world operates. From backstage management to public speaking, all live. I think it’s really cool that through THUAS we get to have these kinds of experiences.”