I wasn’t surprised at all. What I expected happened: extraction from the Slochter gas deposit was restarted at the slightest sign, despite promises and commitments.
The nice thing was that Mining State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief showed his real agenda and put on a parody of a fine robe. Groningers did not understand the small print because he had not explained it properly. In fact, I read in DVHN, we should even be grateful to him. He opened those two wells again, and I quote: ‘to prevent all wells from having to be on the pilot light this winter. (…) I did this to help Groningen.’
How do you get it out of your mouth? While when he took office he seemed sincere and spoke empathetic words. Justice would be done to Groningen residents in the earthquake area and blaiebladiebla.
But it is very simple: there is still too much money in the ground.
Dear Mr Vijlbrief, don’t use the slogan ‘regain trust’ anymore. You, the government, are really not concerned with that.
The ‘pilot issue’ was the week that Minister Ernst Kuipers suddenly announced his retirement. One day before the judge threw out his plan for centralization of pediatric heart surgery. He also had to leave immediately, abroad. Chance?
It is not surprising that there are people who suspect conspiracies everywhere and to be honest there are fewer and fewer arguments about it wappies to contradict. The government doesn’t even keep up appearances anymore.
The proposal to definitively close the Slochter gas bubble on October 1 must still be ratified by the House of Representatives.
Once again I won’t be surprised.