Bakker Henk Slagter from Coevorden pretended it was New Year’s Eve today. He baked donuts all day long. Because now it is still possible. “New Year’s Eve is the most beautiful day of the year for me,” says Slagter. But whether he will make it to that day this year remains to be seen.
He fears for his survival, because his energy bill has increased by 6000 euros per month. He is taking action today to draw attention to his situation. “This is not possible, it does not exist that I can no longer continue,” says Slagter. “I thought, then I’m going to come up with a playful action to draw attention to my situation. I’m going to bake oliebollen. It may be the last time”
And the action is catching on. This morning, Slagter had already sold 1100 oliebollen. “I think it’s a great promotion,” says one of the customers. “I have come to buy oliebollen for the second time.”
“People do understand,” says Slagter. “My customers are all deeply saddened by what is happening.”
The cabinet wants to compensate entrepreneurs with a high energy bill, but there are no concrete plans yet. “It’s not bad to earn nothing for a year, that’s entrepreneurial risk. But if you don’t see any bright spots, no future, then it becomes difficult,” says Slagter