A lump of foam lies in front of the provincial government building in Groningen. This has everything to do with the government’s response to the report of the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction. “The victims should not be spawned again with hot air.”
According to the Groningen Soil Movement (GBB), the government’s response can be summarized in two words: hot air. The reaction seems like a lot, but actually means nothing. The foam symbolizes hot air, says SP MP Sandra Beckerman.
Beckerman stands with Merel Jonkheid, spokesman for the GBB, and fellow fighter Chris Garrit on the doorstep of the provincial government building. Next to them a machine blows hot air; the foam. The activists hold a banner with: ‘No hot air, action for Groningen now!’
Respect for Groningen
While the heap of foam on the sidewalk is getting bigger, Garrit shouts: ,,No hot air for Groningen, respect for Groningen.” But the spectators are limited to a handful of passing tourists. Passers-by slow their pace in front of the provincial government building, pointing at the scene in surprise. Three people with a banner in a bubble of foam.
The people of Groningen must listen to nice words. But Jonkheid believes there is no good approach or solution. With this action, the Groninger Soil Movement wants to call on the victims to come to The Hague next month. At the beginning of June, the parliamentary debate on the report and the government’s response to it will probably take place with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief.
Gas extraction and bureaucracy
What do they think hot air means? Firstly, the lack of a definitive stop on gas extraction. The activists also find the financing of the cabinet plans too vague and uncertain.
The approach to compensation must also be different. Victims should simply be able to pass on what they need, instead of taking legal action against the state for their rights. Jonkheid: “Without changes, the group that has been hit the hardest will remain stuck in a bureaucracy.”
Regional and national administrators
The promotion is therefore intended for the administrators in The Hague. But there is still a lot to be gained from the regional administrators, says SP member of parliament Agnes Bakker. “The existing plans are only being refined. Parties do not dare to take a different approach.” She compares the plans to a dead end and therefore argues for a new way. A different approach.
Next to Bakker is Yvonne Morselt, former board member of the GBB. She calls herself an involved Groninger. She also calls for fundamental changes. “The directors must do more to pay off the debt and debt of honor.”
Yet she is the only victim who came to the action. Nevertheless, Beckerman and the Groninger Soil Movement continue to work for the interests of the people of Groningen. They will certainly be in a stronger position in The Hague next month. So far twenty people have signed up to take action there in June.