Perhaps the most frequently asked question about water board elections is why they exist at all.
The water board elections are the scene of a conflict of interests between farmers, citizens and foresters. A battle with safety, water quality and the spending of 3.5 billion euros in taxpayers’ money at stake. The election results have a direct impact on our living environment and our wallet.
Not chosen
Currently, the water board boards number seven to eight secured seats for farmers, nature managers and entrepreneurs. These directors are not elected, but appointed by their umbrella organisations.
After the elections on March 15, the general board of each water board still has four guaranteed seats: two for the farmers and two for the nature managers. The entrepreneurs have therefore lost their permanent place. Farmers and nature managers will have less influence, but their say in the water board will remain assured.
What do you think? Is voting useful during the water board elections, or is it superfluous?