General Political Considerations 2024

Contribution Juliet Broersen

Chair,

We discuss the budget today in an extra turbulent week after an eventful year. Last Monday marked the first anniversary of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, resulting in thousands of innocent victims and a great deal of suffering that continues today.

 That suffering is also palpable in our city.  It expressed itself in different ways. From dialogues, to demonstrations.

And every day, the tone here in Amsterdam seems to become sharper. We see rising anti-Semitism and Muslim hatred. We see Jews being held responsible for the policies of the Israeli government, and we see pro-Palestine demonstrators too often unfairly dismissed as Jew-haters.     

It also doesn't help that politics sometimes seems to eagerly feed this. If you are in favour of one thing, you are automatically against the other, according to some politicians. And so polarisation only increases.

 The conservative wind blowing through Europe has now also reached the Netherlands. The Netherlands' largest party is founded on dividing ‘us’ from ‘them’. 

Polarisation

Where polarisation is only fuelled there, I am glad, even relieved, that that tone does not find a majority in our city, no matter how hard some parties try. No, most here like to seek the connection, and the executive also thinks it is important to counter polarisation. 

That is precisely why I am surprised that combating polarisation receives little attention in the budget, and I am curious to know how the municipal executive will tackle this. 

As a city and council, we need to strive to connect continuously. Especially in times like these. I would also like to dwell on connection and empathy today. Today, the initiative proposal by my colleagues Itay Garmy and Sheher Khan on organising meetings and conversations in the city districts will be presented. A proposal that summarises all the lessons they have learnt over the past year during their countless meetings with people in Amsterdam. Hopefully, this proposal will inspire us to connect with people who are sometimes opposed to us. 

And Chairman, when my colleague Garmy then tells me about the conversations he has with Member Khan at primary schools in Amsterdam, the things that hurt me the most are always the anxious questions from the children.  Can I be here? Is my pain legitimate? Can I still stay here? 

For some of these children, the example of Amsterdam's Mikael (threatened with deportation despite being born here - MDC)  causes anxiety. The number of children in our city burdened by stress and worry is high, so please don't let this land on their little shoulders. 

Instead of harshness and gut-wrenching policies, we advocate understanding and compassion. Rooted children should never be deported. As far as Volt is concerned, we should simply enshrine these essential children's rights, but that lies with the cabinet. 

That is why we are tabling a motion calling for us to fight for this together with all Dutch municipalities and asking what steps the council is taking to prevent the deportation of rooted children.

The State and Amsterdam

Chairman, this budget clearly attempts to preserve Amsterdam as a social city despite the changing national context in which we find ourselves. A city where we look out for each other and continue to take care of people in need. 

So Volt supports the continuation of the bed-bath-bread scheme in 2025. However, we are very concerned about the years that follow. 

Trust in government

A city where everyone can participate and is equal requires a municipality that looks after all its residents and gives a helping hand to those who need it. This is how we build solidarity in the city, work on trust in each other, and thus on trust in the government. And in our view, that starts with being an approachable, service-minded government.  

Over the past year, I have had many conversations with Amsterdam residents who get stuck in their contact with the municipality. Their experiences go beyond extending a passport. The Amsterdammers I spoke to depend on the city to get proper care for themselves or a sick family member or to get financial support. Good services can make the difference between a life of even more worry and one in which they can cope as best they can. 

Good service provision should be a top priority of every municipality, with growing confidence as a significant benefit. Chairman, the budget states that the city intends to close some of its buildings. Which buildings will this involve, and how do we ensure this does not affect the municipality's accessibility for Amsterdam residents? 

After all, a municipality that is easy to reach takes the time to listen and the space to act with a human touch, instilling confidence that the government has its residents' best interests at heart. 

Another way to gain trust is by giving trust. Therefore, it is crucial that we include people in our plans, dilemmas, and choices. Amsterdam is moving in the right direction regarding participation, but big steps still need to be taken. By involving Amsterdammers in the city's choices and dilemmas, you create support and trust for the necessary transitions. 

In the coalition agreement, we see that three citizens' councils would be organised, but we seem to be stuck with two. Does the council plan to organise a third one in this council period? In addition, we are curious in what additional ways the college plans to better involve Amsterdammers in the city's plans.

Property tax (OZB)

It is not only important to properly involve our residents in our plans. Organisations, businesses, and entrepreneurs who make Amsterdam what it is also need to be included in our choices. This is demonstrated once again by the proposed increase in the OZB. The corporations were not included in this decision and were surprised. 

Now, there was a hole in the budget, and the ozone tax was used as a band-aid, without considering what consequences this could have on, for instance, the sustainability and housing quality of social housing. How does the councillor reflect on this? In retrospect, would he have handled this in the same way?

Europe

Chairman, Volt would not be Volt if we did not close with our gaze outwards. The EU and Europe are hardly mentioned in every budget in this parliamentary term. We insist that when people increasingly seem to be turning inwards, we must look outwards with our sights set. 

We will remain committed to learning from other cities and continuing to take our leading European role in sustainability and digitalisation, for instance. Last year, we tabled a motion to receive an annual report on our international vision and policy. We look forward to receiving this so we can have a broader conversation about how we, as Amsterdam, relate to the international order. 

Conclusion

Chairman, in conclusion.

We make Amsterdam together. That is why we must keep sight of each other. We must meet and keep talking to each other. We have to give room for differences of opinion or insight and, at the same time, see where our similarities lie. We will continue to work for a connected Amsterdam.

Thank you!