Three Drenthe MPs were officially installed in the House of Representatives this afternoon. And from now on that means: practicing names, memorizing the regulations and then really getting to work as a representative. “There are four or five Van Dijks, so that is still something to do.”
All 150 took the oath or made the promise to be officially appointed as a Member of the House of Representatives. “A beautiful day today,” reflects brand new PvdA MP Elke Slagt-Tichelman from Assen. “Everyone is cheerful and happy for the installation.”
Today she saw all the other MPs for the first time. “You already know the names of some people, some you don’t. And there are four or five Van Dijks, so everyone is practicing very hard.
That she would come to Parliament remained ‘exciting’, but it was actually clear prior to the elections. She officially resigned from her work as a midwife, midwifery teacher and researcher yesterday. “You never know exactly how the votes will be cast, but I had counted on it and had already transferred most of it at work.”
Although she has now been officially sworn in, she has not yet been assigned a portfolio. Her preference? “That’s not surprising given my background.” So take care. “But I will pick up everything that the faction needs. I will find out what that is in the course of next week.”
While she is now officially a Member of Parliament, this week is still focused on her practical work. Learn by heart all the rules that apply in the House of Representatives. “So you are not allowed to eat in the plenary hall.”
Quite remarkable, says Slagt-Tichelman. “That is different in the Statenzaal of Drenthe, where they even serve coffee or cake. Everything is a bit more business-like here.” Perhaps banal at first glance, but according to Slagt-Tichelman it is more important than it seems. “I think that mutual bonding is also beneficial. But for now that should only be done in the corridors.”
For Eline Vedder from Ruinerwold, the course of events in the House of Representatives is less new. She was first installed as a Member of Parliament last May, and today she took her oath again. “Back then there were only three MPs. Today there are one hundred and fifty, which is of course special.”
Harm Holman (NSC) from Roden also took the oath today. “Exciting and fun. Everyone comes dressed nicely and my wife and son were too. They also enjoyed being in the House of Representatives. But because we were only allowed to bring two people, it was a matter of choosing.”
Holman’s portfolios already clear. He will have Agriculture, Nitrogen and gas extraction in Groningen in his portfolio. For Vedder it remains to be seen. “I would like to keep the portfolios I already had. But we have become a lot smaller, so there will be a few more anyway.”
While the real work starts next week for Slagt-Tichelman, Holman and Vedder have already planned their first debate about fishing tomorrow morning. According to Vedder, the cooperation between the three Drenthe MPs is of great importance. “It is important that we find each other and that we, each in our own role, keep an eye on the issues that are going on in Drenthe and are there when it matters.”