Pieter Omtzigt is accused of missing too many debates and has now also canceled the election broadcast of the Jeugdjournaal. “That has to do with his daughter.”
It is traditionally the most frivolous moment of every election campaign: the Youth News debate, in which the party leaders discuss topics that are important to children. Who’s coming? Dilan Yesilgöz, Frans Timmermans, Rob Jetten, Geert Wilders, Caroline van der Plas and Henri Bontenbal.
‘Diving Omtzigt’
Where is Pieter Omtzigt? Unfortunately, he had to miss the broadcast. “He had to decline the invitation from the NOS Jeugdjournaal because his daughter is graduating on the day of the recordings,” can be read in Veronica Superguide, which has an interview with editor-in-chief Jochem Nühn.
Omtzigt has recently received a lot of criticism for the fact that he turns down quite a few debates. “He was also not present at the second RTL debate last Sunday. He is ‘diving’ and ‘is not clear’, says SP leader Lilian Marijnissen.
Wilders makes sense
Who is most looking forward to that Youth News debate? Geert Wilders, says editor-in-chief Jochem. “Wilders always enjoys coming here. We have heard that he thinks this is the best debate. When new elections are approaching, he always registers early with enthusiasm through his campaign manager.”
According to him, the children are also fans of the PVV leader. “Once upon a time there was a girl who said to Geert Wilders: I would like to give you a hug. That was a special moment. He is a very well-known politician among the children, who of course also hear that he is being threatened and protected.”
Political words
The Jeugdjournaal has one video posted online to explain some difficult words to children. “Politicians can use quite difficult (and boring) words. At the Jeugdjournaal we naturally try to prevent this, but it is possible that a political word slips through here and there.”
The Youth News debate can be seen on NPO 3 on Sunday at 7 p.m.