If it is up to the VVD in Waalwijk, residents of Waalwijk, Sprang-Capelle and Waspik will soon get priority for social housing and new-build homes. The priority for status holders must also be abolished forever, according to the plans for the municipal elections. “I can’t stomach the fact that they will have a home within a few months, while my friends have to wait more than ten years,” says party leader Miloš Bokšan (23) about the rigorous plan.
He has countless friends who studied in big cities like Tilburg and want to return, but cannot. “We do everything that is asked: study, work, save for a home. And yet we end up at the bottom,” says the Public Administration student.
And this doesn’t just apply to starters. “I know plenty of stories about overbidding. This proposal is also about families and seniors who have nowhere to go. That is why we want our own residents to be given priority in the housing market.”
He therefore wants to amend the Housing Regulations. Half of the social rental properties should be given priority to home seekers with a local connection, for example people who were born or grew up there, work, provide informal care or have family living there. The first eight weeks must also be given priority when purchasing a new-build home.
‘Unacceptable’
The VVD also wants status holders to no longer be given priority. The latter was previously a national proposal by former housing minister Mona Keijzer (BBB) in the previous cabinet, of which the VVD was also a part, but failed due to discrimination. Since July 2017, status holders have not automatically been given priority, but municipalities must accommodate a certain number. Seven years ago, Castricum in North Holland also canceled the priority for status holders.
Bokšan points out that last year Waalwijk housed thirty more status holders than the mandatory number of fifty. “That doesn’t sound like much, but our rental properties are so scarce. We cannot afford this,” says Bokšan. “If you, as a starter, compete with thirty status holders, you won’t get in the middle. I can’t stomach the fact that they have a home within a few months, while my friends have to wait more than ten years. That is unacceptable.”
‘Absolute top priority’
He therefore wants a simple transfer location for status holders. This way, priority for residents can be introduced and the pressure on the housing market will be alleviated. The VVD also wants to build 2,500 new homes. “We not only want to build, but it must also be clear for whom.”
For Bokšan, this topic is his ‘absolute top priority’. “For me, this is so serious that we already made this plan before the elections. I could also make a motion very easily, but I have now written an extensive plan with the team.”
He also worked with lawyers for this. “We know this is possible, but you also have to dare to choose. We do this by making this clear before the elections.”
Take matters into your own hands
He previously also proposed that status holders who refuse to work or learn the language should have their benefits reduced. Yet he sees no comparison with a party like the PVV. “You have parties on the left that deny problems of status holders around housing and their impact and on the other side populists who only shout, talk to people, but do not solve anything. This is too important to leave to those flanks. That is why I am taking matters into my own hands.”
Here you can read all the stories about the 2026 municipal elections in Brabant.
