Klaas Kuipers was a member of GroenLinks for more than 52 years, but for the former councilor – who is also an honorary citizen of the municipality of Tynaarlo – his time has now come to an end. This week he resigned his party membership. “My life’s work is crumbling under my fingers.”
What made you decide to resign your party membership?
“The direct reason is how GroenLinks dealt with the resignation of councilor Miguel Ririhena. There is no willingness within the party to investigate what exactly happened. While there are many critical members who have questions about Miguel’s sudden departure. He was widely respected among officials, colleagues and even the opposition. The local department and the faction hope that the issue will blow over on its own. That does not suit a democratic party. I have tried several times to get clarification, but it is like flogging a dead horse.”
So there are more party members who have questions about the councilor’s departure?
“Absolute. There was an initiative to ask the board during last week’s general membership meeting to conduct an investigation. But the faction and the party board in Tynaarlo are not interested in this. The provincial department does not want to get involved because it is a local issue. The national party office also gives this reasoning.”
Why is it so important that what happened in the group is made public?
“Council members are elected representatives of the people. Voters and members of GroenLinks have the right to know why someone suddenly resigns, whether forced or not. Now the cause is shrouded in mystery. Ultimately, the municipal council decides whether an alderman performs well or poorly, not his own faction. That is not correct, and this needs to be explained. GroenLinks Tynaarlo claims that they cannot say anything due to the confidentiality of the conversations. I think that in this way the current faction shows that it has lost touch with society. I see with sadness that what we have carefully built up over a few decades is being demolished in record time.”
What does that do to the reputation of GroenLinks in Tynaarlo?
“The party is showing itself to be an unreliable cooperation partner. The new alderman who replaces Miguel comes from Meppel, an exception has been made to the rule that an alderman must live in the municipality where he works. Former local councilors have also applied, but were never seriously considered. Another missed opportunity. That is no longer the party I worked for for so long. I no longer want to be associated with the council faction in Tynaarlo.”