Is Trouw Left-Wing or Right-Wing? Political Bias Explained
Trouw Overview and Political Bias
Trouw is often characterized as a center-left, liberal-Christian publication. Some critics argue the paper has shifted toward a secular, progressive agenda, potentially alienating its traditional orthodox base. Its reporting style is frequently described as moralistic or educational, focusing heavily on ethics, sustainability, philosophy, and international human rights issues.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 350,000 |
| Israel support | Critical of Israeli government / Humanitarian-leaning |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Low |
| Target Audience | Intellectual / Progressive Christians / Elite |
Trouw History
Established in 1943 as an illegal underground newspaper during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Trouw was founded by Protestant resistance members. Post-WWII, it transitioned into a daily national newspaper, maintaining its Christian identity while gradually broadening its scope to include secular, ecumenical, and progressive viewpoints over the decades.
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Who owns Trouw?
Trouw is owned by DPG Media, a major Belgian media conglomerate controlled by the Van Thillo family. The newspaper’s operations are primarily funded through print and digital subscriptions, supplemented by advertising revenue. It operates within a portfolio that includes other major Dutch titles like De Volkskrant and Het Parool.