My mother (83) and I, on our way back from vacation, talk about politics in the Netherlands: old and new parties, politicians who come and go. “Who are you going to vote for mom?” Mother: “Well, that’s suddenly a completely different question. I always find that such a hassle. Then you have to go there first. Then in such a box. Completely change and then you’re standing there in your muscle naked… I don’t know if I’m going to do that…” “What are you talking about mom? How on earth were those elections organized in Meppel!” “How so? You ask me who I’m going swimming with.”
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A version of this article also appeared in the September 5, 2023 issue.