Student leaders want a say in cabinet formation: ‘Just give us a call’

There is a lot at stake for students in the cabinet formation. The chairs of the student organisations ISO and LSVb are eager to join the talks. In the meantime, they are also searching for a new board.

The two student leaders had only just taken office when the Schoof cabinet collapsed for the second time: after the PVV, NSC also withdrew. Education Minister Eppo Bruins resigned and BBB minister Gouke Moes took over. “Suddenly things got very complicated”, says Maaike Krom, chair of the Dutch Student Union (LSVb).

“I knew it was going to be an interesting year”, says Sarah Evink, chair of the Dutch National Student Association (ISO), “but I really didn’t expect the cabinet to fall a second time.”

It’s a different kind of board year than usual – but no less enjoyable, they think. Evink: “All of a sudden, you’re sitting at the table with the minister and all sorts of civil servants who want to hear what you have to say. It’s an environment where you’re allowed and able to do a lot.”

What has been a standout moment during your board year?

Krom: “For me, the strike this past December was really special. Marching through the streets with 8,000 people because we all believe more should be invested in education. Standing on a float, chanting slogans together – that sense of unity was amazing.”

Evink: “The moment Minister Moes told the House of Representatives he was ‘just going to sort out’ internship compensation – that was really special for me. We actually cheered out loud. Many board members before me have worked towards this. Of course it’s not yet enshrined in law, but the fact that people now genuinely want to act on it is a great step in the right direction.”

Do ISO and LSVb work together often? And are there ever clashes?

Evink: “I actually have much more contact with Maaike than I had expected. We’re colleagues, but also friends. You’re fighting for the same cause and standing up for the same people. Sure, sometimes you disagree, but overall we work together really well.”

Krom: “Everyone has their own way of doing things. The LSVb is more focused on activism, while ISO leans more towards lobbying. But there’s little point in clashing with each other – we still have so much to win. Wherever we can, we help each other.”

Evink: “We speak several times a week – almost daily, actually.”

Krom: “We get along well on a personal level too, which really helps.”

What was it like having to suddenly deal with a new, caretaker education minister?

Krom: “Difficult and chaotic. You’d prefer to have an experienced minister. And this one has a very tricky task: his time in the role may be short and there were elections in between as well.”

Evink: “For us, having a new minister takes some getting used to as well. And if he doesn’t have a majority in parliament, it becomes harder to get new legislation passed. That makes the game more complicated. Of course, there are long-term issues we can continue working on, but some things are more difficult right now. On the other hand, the formation also brings new opportunities.”

What’s the next step?

Krom: “We at ISO and LSVb really want to take that next step together. We’re right in the middle of the cabinet formation and it’s important that students also have a say. There have been countless studies published on students’ mental wellbeing, the financial pressures they face and their mounting debt. We’re fully committed to fighting for this, but we need to be heard by politicians.”

Evink: “I completely agree. Students are under a lot of financial pressure, which leads to mental stress too. The simplest solution is to increase the basic grant. Higher education is becoming less and less accessible, while we desperately need all the talent. Education is the foundation of the Netherlands’ future – so it should be part of the formation talks.”

Do you think it will happen?

Krom: “We’re ready, so just give us a call. I really think it’s a shame that hasn’t happened yet. D66 and the CDA have already taken some good steps to improve student housing. But there’s still a lot more to be done.”

Evink: “The parties involved in the formation say innovation is urgently needed to tackle issues in healthcare, technology and climate. But that’s not possible without good education. So significant investment is needed.”

Would you recommend doing a board year?

Krom: “Absolutely! My board year at LSVb has made me hopeful. I’ve seen that standing up for yourself and for others really does help. I’d encourage everyone to get involved – whether that’s through a union, your institution or your study association. It doesn’t have to delay your studies – it’s all about how far you want to take it.”

Evink: “Every position at ISO or LSVb matters in its own way. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the new ISO board gets going, and I’m glad I get to be a small part of it when we hand things over.”