He is somewhat happy because the parliamentary inquiry committee on Fraud Policy did not spare itself in its assessment. On the other hand, Jurgen Deceuninck has no illusions. “It’s what we’ve known for years.”
Jurgen and Gerda Deceuninck are victims of the benefits scandal. Their children – Zoé and Nora – were removed from their home. To their great regret, and despite legal proceedings, their final return has not yet been achieved.
The parents from Pesse were present today in The Hague, at the presentation of the survey report. Final verdict, after interrogating (former) politicians, civil servants, victims and other involved parties: people’s lives have been crushed by government failure, and that could easily happen again if fundamental rights are not better guaranteed.
Or, as Deceuninck puts it: “Change has to come from the top, but society is not moving along. We are all both victims and perpetrators of this system. We can even be perpetrators without realizing it.”
Deceuninck praises the work of the committee of inquiry, as well as the comprehensive report with conclusions and recommendations. He participated in it himself, because Deceuninck was one of the people who was interrogated.
“We had every confidence in the committee. They handled it very carefully, and that is also reflected in what is on paper.” Or will this fundamentally change fraud policy, resulting in less human suffering? “I don’t believe that,” Deceuninck sighs.
De Pessenaar points to the system failure that promotes human suffering. “Everyone always points to the money, but it’s about more than money.” Merely compensating victims financially is not enough, he claims. “It’s about recovery in human are. And that is being categorically stopped.”
The hope that Human will be helped quickly after the final report, Deceuninck does not. Even in the House of Representatives, where change can be initiated, he sees things getting stuck. “There are people there who want to do well, but they are held back by the system.”
Committee chairman Michiel van Nispen also did not hold back. He saw shortcomings in parliament, executive services and the judiciary. After conversations with Deceuninck and other victims, he concludes: “People’s lives have been destroyed.”
Later that evening, Jurgen and Gerda Deceuninck joined talk show Op1 to tell their story