North Hollanders do not always feel represented by their chosen local party

A small majority, about 33 percent, say they have felt insufficiently represented by their elected local party in the past four years. About 29 percent say they are neutral about this and about 21 percent think that they are well represented.

Stella de Swart is a speaker and counselor in the field of poverty, debt and serious financial need. From her position she has delved into the subject of ‘the gap between citizen and government’. It is not surprising that the reaction has been so divided. According to her, many people find it difficult to form a certain opinion, because they are insufficiently aware of who is on their council and what they do.

Insufficiently visible

According to her, people do not see the positive result of their vote enough. “For example, if you look at Tim Hofman’s BOOS program, he very clearly represents something that is being denounced. This means that people feel heard, connected with him and therefore also represented. This is not the case in many municipal councils. the case.”

Tom Louwerse, associate professor of political science at Leiden University, thinks that people are only able to form an opinion because there is a lack of information about local politics. “The national media pays little attention to it outside election time and in many provinces and municipalities there is a lack of good local news media.”

Political researcher Lisanne Blok confirms this, but adds that it may also be difficult for residents because the relationships between citizens and government have been disrupted in recent years by various events. Consider, for example, decentralization.

“As a result, municipalities have had many more tasks on their plate, as a result of which they were often financially forced to collaborate with other municipalities. Many decisions were also made during corona times from the national government.” Both issues have made municipalities less autonomous in recent years, possibly making municipalities less visible in the performance of their functions.

If it is up to De Swart, the future politicians will take to the streets much more. “Now with the municipal elections in sight, they are suddenly very visible, but this should be the case all year round.” In addition, she believes that much more use can be made of knowledge from society: “Enter with local entrepreneurs, shopkeepers and residents.”

Heavy task

But according to De Blok, this wish is difficult for many politicians to realize. “It is often difficult to complete a party’s list of candidates. Many people do not see a future in the city council. It is a heavy task that requires little financial compensation.”

De Blok does think that politicians should be allowed to distinguish themselves more from national politics. You see that satisfaction at the local level is now often in line with the national trend. “By distinguishing yourself well, for example by raising very local issues, you may be able to break this pattern.”

De Swart believes that politicians should empathize much more with their residents. “Local politicians often have no idea what people in need have to endure. As a result, people do not feel optimally represented.”

According to her, initiatives such as the serious game Wakker! contribute to this. By playing the game, municipalities can experience how residents experience the processes surrounding work and income in practice.

“Or, for example, open a Listening Desk in a place where people like to go, so not a boring neighborhood centre. Politicians can then visit there regularly and discuss specific topics with a diverse group of people. And show what they are working on and what they’ve already done.”