What's Up in Zeeland: Import Zeelanders

The local politics of our two provinces is often forgotten because of all the chaos in The Hague, but that certainly does not make it any less interesting or important! Any newsletter we highlight the politics of both provinces. This newsletter's articles are scavenged by two former BZ and current national board members, Luc Goos and Rick Baerends! An article about is about an XTC trial in Brabant, written by Luc Goos, and an article about Hugo de Jonge's statements about "import Zeelanders", written by Rick Baerends.

This is Rick's article, Luc's article is also on our site, check that out here!

Hugo de Jonge: 'Zeeland's population must double to keep facilities' Zeeland's expansionism or painful reality?

By Rick Baerends

Zeeland's acting Commissioner of the King (CoK) Hugo de Jonge told the PZC that Zeeland's population must double if we want to keep our current level of facilities in the province, Prime Minister Dick Schoof also underlined this. This remark offended many Zeelanders, as there is a kind of fear of becoming more peripheral. Many people live here for their peace and quiet, and then you have no desire at all for 400 thousand extra 'imported Zeelanders'.

Currently, Zeeland has about 400 thousand inhabitants. By far the least of any province. On top of that, Zeeland is in a difficult position due to a lack of attention from the state. We are so close to the Randstad, yet we are falling into oblivion. So is it not our mindset that is holding us back?

Zeelanders are proud of their province and culture, but they are also subdued, rigid and do not like changes. Because of this subdued and rigid attitude, this pride does not express itself outside Zeeland, whereas it should do more. That doesn't mean we should become regionalistic, but it does mean we should wake up The Hague so that they also look our way. So that they don't forget us.

Zeeland needs major investment, not just in heavy industry and nuclear power plants but precisely in infrastructure, housing and healthcare. Improving public transport with money for railway lines and express buses, ensuring we can build housing faster and ensuring we can keep our healthcare in the province. 'Wind in the Sails', the compensation package for not going ahead with the Marine Barracks, is a step in the right direction but not the final goal. More is needed to attract new Zeelanders.

Because Hugo de Jonge and Dick Schoof are right. Zeeland needs more Zeelanders, but that is not a bad thing. More inhabitants does not mean that we suddenly become Randstad, it actually offers us opportunities. Opportunities to keep and even improve our amenities such as healthcare, education and public transport. In short, welcome the 'import Zeelanders'. Because, like us, they have a lot to offer. Only together can we build a future-proof Zeeland.