Student on the ballot: Maurits wants more police on the streets, more student rooms, and to keep hospiteeravonden

“Walking hand in hand in the street must be able to be safe, living together must be possible. I can and will not ban it, but from my Christian values I would prefer it differently”, says Maurits Verhoeven, lead candidate for the SGP. He is one of the students standing in Rotterdam in the municipal elections.

What would you like to have achieved in the municipal council after four years?

“More BOAs (local law enforcement that’s not part of the police, eds.) and therefore more safety on the street. And not only more people, but also better equipped, so with a baton and pepper spray. More police on the street means, to me, more safety and more order.

“In addition I would also say: more space for churches. There are about a hundred to two hundred migrant church communities, many of which are looking for spaces. Increasingly churches are being used differently and in new housing areas no religious buildings are included, while they are so important for a sense of community.”

Politics is for everyone, this university wants to be a place for everyone. Religious or not, whichever religion, for men, women, trans people and whoever you are in love with. How does that fit with the strict Christian values of the SGP?

“We stand for the common good, and yes: we have a view on what is best for everyone. For example, when I was emailed about possibly signing the Rainbow election agreement from COC, I said: ‘We are also for the safety of the lgbtq+ community, but we have a different view on identity and gender.’ That is why we did not sign it (Also ChristenUnie, Forum for Democracy and DENK didn’t sign it, eds.) Walking hand in hand in the street must be able to be safe, living together must be possible. I can and will not ban it, but from my Christian values I would prefer it differently.”

What do you want to do for students as a student?

“I would like to focus on housing. The conversion of homes into multiple student rooms has become harder in recent years. I understand that you do not want rogue landlords buying up whole streets, but as things are it is to the detriment of students. In cities such as Leiden and Delft Duwo is a major landlord and that landlord wants to get rid of flatmate selection evenings. That must not happen in Rotterdam. It is important that student houses can keep their own character.

“In the house where I live now, residents had trouble with the landlord before I moved in. Under certain conditions you can get legal costs for a case reimbursed by the municipality. Their lawyer had said this was possible, and that turned out not to be the case. I want this to be better organised for students. Lawyer fees are very high. And even though a landlord may not abuse that position of power, it does happen. With that scheme students could stand up for themselves better.”

What has made you angry, looking at Rotterdam politics recently?

“I am not easily angry, but I am very outraged about the idea of fining people sleeping rough. I recently spoke to someone on the street and he told me he was grateful that the ticket inspector had let him sleep in the metro at night. He was grateful for that. Many organisations, such as the Salvation Army and the Pauluskerk, already do a lot of good work. They need all the support and help from the municipality. Rotterdam did not want to fund the bed-bath-bread scheme itself, but I think we should take a good look at the budget and find the space for it.”

What is your dream for the future of Rotterdam?

“A real society, with an emphasis on together – so no more loneliness. I think a lot can be solved with a good network. You then have, for example, a safety net in case of financial problems, it helps your mental health. Community centres can play a role here. In new housing, think more about a little grass area in the neighbourhood where people can play football together, where a barbecue can be set up for a neighbourhood party. And I also think the church can play an important role here. There you meet all kinds of people. Rich, poor, highly educated, less educated, migrant and all generations in the Netherlands.”