Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this special Political Cafe!
 

I find it very important to let you know that you have a right to vote. And that’s a privilege. Elections are important. They are the basis of open democracies. We have become so used to it, that we sometimes forget that democracy is not a given for many people around the world. Until recently, it wasn’t even in Europe. Last year, the world celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The imposing images of twenty years ago were again present for all to see. Images of people that were overjoyed with what they had won back at that moment: their freedom.

It was the end of the Cold War that really accelerated the process of European unification and international cooperation in the fields of peace, justice and international law. And that development was an enormous impulse also for The Hague, as European and international city.

Later, at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, the first peace conferences were held in The Hague. The Peace Palace was built, the icon of The Hague’s position as international city to this day.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, and with the rise of international cooperation in the fields of justice and international criminal law, The Hague went through a real Renaissance as City of Peace and Justice. New, pioneering organisations were established here.

From The Hague, day in and day out, people are working to make the world a more just and peaceful place. They are working to create a world ruled by the strength of law, not the law of the strongest. Those who think to flout the rules of international law are held responsible by the world. In The Hague. In the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, or the International Criminal Court, for example.

I am proud of The Hague being the international city of peace and justice. We have to make sure that we keep that position also in the future. Not only because it is a noble ambition, but also because it is of a major economic importance to our city. The entire city benefits from it. Each international employee creates almost another two jobs in our city! So we need to invest in an international environment that welcomes and services the employees that work for all those international institutes and companies.

The VVD has shown that it suits the action to the word. Four years ago we established a special alderman for international affairs: Frits Huffnagel. Since then, things have improved. A recent study shows that international employees and organizations acknowledge the improvements that have been made. The Hospitality Center, the Expat Desk and the so called one-stop-shop have helped many expats to find their way in The Hague.

Of course, there is still a lot to be done. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I represent the VVD in The Hague. A party that strives for a small, responsive government which guarantees a safe and fair society. A society in which those who work hard are allowed the opportunity to realize their ambitions.

Three issues are paramount in this election:

First, safety and security. To the VVD, safety is priority number 1. We want more police on the streets. We must be tough on crime and though on the causes of crime. The national cabinet formed by social democrats and Christian democrats want to cut on the police. We want to invest.

Second, fees and taxes. The VVD only spends your money on useful things, such as a clean and safe city. If the government spends less money, we are able to lower your taxes. I think you are all well capable of making your own decisions on how you want to spend your money. And above all, in these times of economic downturn, raising taxes would slow down the economy even further, which is bad for employment.

The third issue, is indeed the economy. Bill Clinton was right: it’s the economy stupid! Therefore, the VVD invests in The Hague’s infrastructure and stimulates entrepreneurship. We want less regulation, less bureaucracy and better service from the municipality. This benefits you and the economy alike. And an economy that performs well, creates jobs and a lively city.

Ladies and gentlemen,