Interview with candidate Kim from Sparrentak #7

Who are you and where are you from?

I am Kim van Sparrentak. I grew up in Middelburg, Zeeland. Now, after wanderings via Amsterdam, Wageningen and Wellington (New Zealand), I live in Rotterdam.

Why did you put yourself up for election?

I put myself forward for the European Parliament elections because I no longer want to be on the sidelines. The status quo politics of recent years have meant that we have emitted more CO2, workers' rights have become less and less, and anyone who is different from the norm has been given less space to be themselves in Europe. The next five years will be crucial: do we choose a Europe that leads on climate action? And if we do, will we really ensure that no one is left behind and that the polluter pays? We must also work hard to build a more social Europe: one that works for the interests of people rather than those of big multinationals.

What do you do in daily life?

I have always worked at the intersection of environment and people. I researched the positive effects on public health of sustainable traffic. Then I worked at Milieudefensie on the campaign that sued the state to bring air quality in the Netherlands up to standard. Currently, I work for WISE, an energy NGO. We aim for a 100% renewable and fair energy supply. I am a campaigner, crowdfunded by three hundred people and six municipalities concerned about two nuclear reactors just across the Belgian border, where cracks have been discovered in the reactor vessel. Again, this is about public health, but also about the transition to a more democratic energy supply, where citizens have a greater say in how a basic necessity like energy is generated and who can benefit from it.

Have you always had political ambitions?

I have always had ambitions to change things and contribute to a less polluted and fairer world. Standing for election is a logical step in that for me.

What do you think are the most important issues in this election?

I think this election goes beyond issues. It's really about what kind of Europe we want. For the past decades, the Christian and Social Democrats held the power; that is really going to change after this election. We see that the status quo policies of recent years have got us absolutely nowhere. Indeed, we have started to emit more, the labour market has become more unfair and large companies can still circumvent regulations and taxes in all sorts of ways. This election should be about the Europe we want. Do we choose a sustainable, free, inclusive, tolerant and social Europe, or do we leave it as it is?

Why is it important for young people to vote?

Europe has a lot of influence on climate and environmental policies. If we don't turn the tide quickly now, it will be a lot less enjoyable for our generation and future generations to live on our earth. In addition, you see that everything concerning young people is often one of the first things to be cut. Currently, for example, by the Council of Europe, but also by no longer paying trainees. It is really very important that young people have a say in who represents them and ensure that their rights are safeguarded.

What do you want/can you do for young people in the European Parliament?

First of all, I want to continue fighting for fair climate policies. In addition, we in the European Parliament can ensure that the labour market is fairer for young people. The unemployment rate among young people is still incredibly high, which makes young people even more likely to be exploited. As president of FYEG, I worked to put unpaid and poorly paid internships and Deliveroo-like constructions higher on the agenda within the European Greens. Making sure we have fair opportunities in the labour market remains an important issue for me.

How do you plan to reach and involve young people more in European politics?

In my opinion, staying in conversation is crucial, both through social media and by talking about European politics. Brussels politics can seem so incredibly distant and complicated, while there are just very concrete examples where Europe has an impact. It would be best to talk about that more often.

If you had to sum up all your plans in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

I want a fair Europe, where people and climate are central and everyone can be themselves.

What is your favourite animal?

A penguin!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Catfish: The TV Show.