Politics
Politics

Politics

Politics
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Is Everything Political Or Non-Political?

You can read the title of my weblog in two ways. Yes or no with the brackets. How you read this may depend on how you are in public administration or how you view politics. And that is not very strange. Both movements occur among administrators and politicians.

 

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Everything is political
On the one hand, there are the politicians for whom everything is political. On the one hand, they make use of compelling visions, but also regularly make use of pre-hopeless motions. After all, symbolic politics is also political. Or make politics of agendas and procedures. Policy continuity is not important to them. If it is more convenient to change course, it will. Everything is political. This is often tiring and disruptive and that is sometimes the very goal of the politicians involved. For them, politics is not the means, but the end.

Not everything is political
On the other hand, there are politicians who emphasize that not everything is political. For them, there are fixed values, fundamental principles, and lines within which a politician operates and which people want to adhere to. Governance continuity is of paramount importance to these politicians. They name subjects and seize moments that transcend politics. They put the rule of law and good governance first in their actions and they also want to keep the debate in order. These politicians apply a kind of political hygiene.

Consistency of policy
Neither of these two styles is left or right. These styles can be found on both sides of the political spectrum. Yet the style in which ‘everything is political’ is dominant is not good for our country, provinces and municipalities. Inhabitants need stability, reliability, perspective, and trust-inspiring leadership. Not a street fight or ‘village politics’. This requires a certain consistency of policy and a certain distance from the issues of the day. And exactly this also applies to the relationships between the levels of government.

Dealing with administrative structure and financial system agreements
Financial and administrative relationships require care, consistency, and restraint. Yes, political principles prevail over technocratic implementation. Yes, that can and must be tinkered with a certain regularity. Yes, system agreements must also go along and be adapted to the times in which we live. However, taking an opportunistic approach to administrative structure and financial system agreements quickly leads to cluttered up and – political or financial – accidents and, at some point, an inevitable failure of policy or problems in implementation. Everyone knows from their own domestic experience: if you do not regularly clean up the shed and just mess around, there is only one option waiting at any time: the big cleaning. There is much more to it than just keeping it in order.

Decentralization and the financial system
In the meantime, the sounds are getting louder: the decentralization in its current form is stagnating (SCP) or, according to some, rattling on all sides(Foundation decentralized administration). In addition to all the otherwise good analyzes that apply to this, in my view, this also has everything to do with the hasty transfer in 2015, the enormous budgetary interventions that went with it, and the political capriciousness with which the decentralization had to contend in recent years on both policy and financial level. Depending on the political whims, interim interventions in policy were or were not taken. And depending on what did or did not ‘work out’ politically, they decided on (usually no) money. Too little policy space for municipalities and too little money for the requested task performance. That does not go well for long. Meanwhile, the administrative and financial system is squeaking and creaking at the seams.

Politics Politics and clothes
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Politicians | Political Statement With Their Clothing

Everything has been thought about: from the color tie to rolling up sleeves. Together with image expert Zabeth van Veen, we check out the outfits of some of our own politicians.

Days like Prinsjesdag are the perfect opportunity to make a political statement through looks and clothing. For example, Carla Dik-Faber (CU) wore a dress made of old train seat upholstery in 2015 to draw attention to recycled material and sustainable public transport. In 2018, Esther Ouwehand (PvdD) wore a dress with 1,200 crosses that represented the 1,200 animals slaughtered every minute in the Netherlands. But statements are made with clothing not only during Prinsjesdag, this also happens during debates in the House of Representatives.

The blue suit
We often see politicians appear in a blue suit. Why exactly that color? “Blue subconsciously gives a feeling of reliability. That is why pilots and the navy often wear this color, ”explains image expert Zabeth van Veen. The examination of the California State University shows that in Western countries is very important in contrast clothing. For example, a dark blue suit with a white shirt radiates authority. In other countries, completely different rules apply when it comes to color.

Ties
Not only the suit but also the tie is considered. For example, have you ever noticed that Mark Rutte (VVD) never wears a red tie, but Geert Wilders (PVV) and Pieter Heerma (CDA) do? “Red is the color of the PvdA, but it is also a color that requires attention. Do you want the eyes on you? Then you choose red. ” According to Zabeth, you unconsciously look first at the person with a red tie. “Research has also shown that 80 percent of people consider a person with a dark blue suit, a white shirt, and a red tie to be the most decisive and effective leader.”

Clothing as a marketing tool
If we zoom in on the personal clothing choices of politicians, we quickly arrive at the set that Mark Rutte has been wearing for years when he meets the people. Arjen Lubach has already made an item about this. When Rutte goes on a campaign, he almost always ‘buy‘ and wears a light shirt, a hoodie, and a blue padded jacket. “Rutte looks a bit like the average student. If he would look extremely fashionable, people would immediately think: why does he have time for that. Actually, you can never do it right.”

Turtleneck and rolled up sleeves
Another thing that we see more and more among politicians lately is wearing a turtleneck sweater in combination with a jacket. We saw this among others with Farid Azarkan (DENK) and Jesse Klaver (GL). “It’s winter, of course, but a turtleneck sweater also radiates intellect. Consider, for example, Steve Jobs. It suits GroenLinks and Klaver can take it well.”

The sneakers from Kaag
Finally, we must also talk about the clothing of women in the House of Representatives. Zabeth is convinced that women should earn more than men when you consider the clothes that need to be purchased. “Men have a few suits and shirts and then it’s okay. Women are viewed much more critically. If a woman puts on the same outfit five times in two weeks or if their hair is not in the right place, the reaction is much more violent.”

Outstanding colors
Another thing that stands out is that women often wear colorful clothes. Just look at Lilianne Ploumen (PvdA), Esther Ouwehand, Corrie van Brenk (50Plus) or Lilian Marijnissen (SP). “That way you can stand out, but politicians have to be careful with bright colors. Striking colors look very good with Lilianne Ploumen, but with Lilian Marijnissen it could just be that the colors run away with her, so to speak. That has to do with what color type you are. That all works very technically.”

Politics Politics and Products
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Way to Do Market Research

Factors of Market Research

Demographic factor
The number of inhabitants of a country, region or city, their age, income, occupation, marital status all these demographic elements can influence your marketing, sales, pricing and distribution policy. If you sell comfort products for the third age, you have to check in a market how many people belong to your target group and how wealthy they are. The aging population in many countries will, for example, increase the demand for certain medicines and orthopedic products.

Economic factors
Important economic factors to investigate are government debt and the country’s main sources of income. It is also a good idea to find out how and with which trade organizations and partners the country is connected. Flemish organizations can help you on the spot with specific market mechanisms and specificities. Are they present? And if you will be professionally active there, which tax system applies and what salary scales can you expect? The country’s growth figures is the country showing and what are the forecasts.

Social and cultural factors
Check the number of working hours, breaks, customs and habits, the importance of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, child labor, leisure activities and interest groups. In many countries, English is the business language, but you should not assume that it is the case everywhere. There is a time difference with almost all emerging countries. Be sure to check which standards and values ​​are relevant to your export plans. The local culture can have a very big impact on your sales and activities locally. It’s important to know the culture and religion of the country you are moving to.

Technological factors
New technologies lead to new products and processes. Smartphones, navigation devices and HD televisions are the result of technological advancements. E-commerce and QR codes are evolutions in the way we do business, thanks to improved technology. Technology reduce costs, improve quality and lead to innovation. These developments have advantages for the business world and for the consumer. For example, the use of ICT for orders and payments leads to less work and fewer errors.

Ecological factors
Environmental analysis mainly involves analyzing weather patterns and climate cycles. During the rainy season, certain transport systems are not active in some regions. During periods of extreme drought, boats and ships cannot navigate the waterways. These cyclical weather patterns have a greater impact in developing countries, where transport infrastructure still needs to be modernized. The growing desire to protect nature and the environment is influencing the development of new products such as fuel-efficient cars.

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Political and Legal Factors

Political Factors
The political system helps shape the economy. The degree to which the government of your target market interferes with business has profound implications for your export plans. Be sure to check the attitude towards foreign investors. In some countries there are non-tariff barriers such as embargoes, which can seriously hinder your activities. Cumbersome bureaucracy and corruption make obtaining certificates or permits a hell of a job. A favorable tax policy might win you over.

Legal factors
New laws and regulations are changing the behavior of companies. What regulations will the exporting country subject you to as a foreign organization? The legal factors apply in different areas:

  • Consumer Protection
  • Competition Law
  • Labor Law
  • Health and Safety Legislation
  • Trade Policy Measures
  • Importing Tax
Politics
Featured

Why Is It Necessary To Pay For Election Programs?

Today, the mathematicians of the Central Planning Board present the calculation of the election programs. They did so for the first time in 1986 and now, 35 years later, it is an almost indispensable aspect of the campaign. But how useful is this tradition?

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This year, 10 parties voluntarily made use of the CPB’s math skills: VVD, CDA, D66, GroenLinks, SP, PvdA, ChristenUnie, SGP, Denk and 50Plus. 2000 measures taken by the parties have been calculated and this shows that these parties mainly want to spend more money. This increases purchasing power, as does the budget deficit and the national debt. Our children and grandchildren will pay for this, the CPB said this morning. The PVV, the Party for the Animals, and the Forum for Democracy do not do this for several reasons.

Non-relevant

“The calculations are useful for indicating direction, but should not lead to discussions,” says Sweder van Wijnbergen, an economist at the University of Amsterdam. During Kok’s first cabinet, he was also secretary-general at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. He explains that the parties are now using the calculations in debates in order to find a better solution themselves. “Since the first calculation years ago, politicians have been using those statistics as a foundation for the discussion. Then, for example, in such a debate a politician brings up that his party will provide 2,000 more jobs. Those numbers are not important at all,” he said. it must be about the content. ”

Estimates

There is an enormous margin of uncertainty about the calculations of the CPB. “The models used for the calculation are so large that they contain many estimates. The CPB itself indicates that, by the way.” The advantages in numbers that politicians stroll with during these debates are therefore not at all accurate or relevant, says Van Wijnbergen.

Abuse

In addition, the models used for the calculation are not completely public. “I don’t like that about the calculations. I think it should be more transparent, now the calculations cannot be checked.” Van Wijnbergen thinks that this is because the calculations will probably be criticized. “They are not waiting for that.” Another disadvantage of the calculation, according to Van Wijnbergen, is that sometimes abuse is made of the calculation. “The parties now know what they need to respond to. The parties then coordinate their measures in such a way that they get the desired results from the CPB calculation. That is good for the campaign.”

Effects

Apart from adjusting the measures, it is almost never the case that the calculation actually had an influence on the outcome of the elections, says Van Wijnbergen. The parties that decide not to participate in the calculation will not notice this much in the long term either. But that parties that do not do it, such as the PVV and the Party for the Animals, are viewed critically when choosing not to participate, Van Wijnbergen does not think so. “You can go to a party for that. If a party says: ‘I am not participating’, it actually shows that the plans may not yet be concrete enough and that sends the signal that the party does not know what they are going to do.”

Realistic plans

The most important argument for the calculation is that it forces politicians to make the election program concrete. “That is a big plus of the calculation. The parties have to make realistic plans, otherwise, it will become clear during the calculation.” If it were up to Van Wijnbergen, the tradition of calculating can therefore remain. “But more emphasis should be placed on the fact that they are just numbers, and that those numbers are only an indication, which can certainly be wrong.” Incidentally, we should not expect that from politics, says Van Wijnbergen. “We can continue to expect them to pay attention if, according to the calculation, their party really does generate more jobs, whether that is an indication or not.”

Politics

Elections | There’s A Lot Of Promises But Little Is Fulfilled

In an election battle, it is not who is right that counts, but who is right. This sometimes makes campaigns and debates entertainment, but more often a source of great irritation. Logic loses out to rhetoric. But as an audience, this is partly our own fault, because we determine what scores. A series by philosopher Arno Bouwes on logic and illogic in election time.

A good election slogan does not repel potential voters, it attracts them. The best slogans that they will print using the best printers such as ‘printer for avery labels‘ are a mirror in which everyone can see their own preferences reflected. The PvdA wants to “Move forward together. Let’s build the Netherlands together that everyone can be proud of”, D’66 “gets it done. Good work, good education, good care” and for the VVD it’s about “Normal. Doing it. . ” They are slogans that you can hardly disagree with, because moving forward, normal and good can mean something different for everyone. Even with many points of view, you can only agree. Hugo Borst visited all political parties and discovered to his great surprise that they all really want the same thing: good care. But of course, the party that strives for bad care, bad work, and bad education has yet to be founded. In the run-up to the elections, there is, therefore, a lot of shouting, but little said. Precisely because it is too little about the content, politicians talk about each other too often. Rutte lies, Buma is a pouting toddler, Jesse Klaver is a bad imitation of Obama and Wilders is insipid and indecent. The other is no good, but this doesn’t tell me who to vote for.

Everyone wants a better, just society that you can be proud of. But what does this look like? Nobody wants ambulance personnel to be abused, annoying neighbors, pollution, or heavy taxes. But how do we achieve this and what do we sacrifice for this? In other words: what are the choices we will soon face as a voter? If you are in doubt about who to vote for, you can start by asking yourself the following two questions: 1. What are the parties saying about their own content? And especially 2. Do they say something that you can also disagree with? A statement that you cannot disagree with is almost always meaningless.

The problem with meaningless positions is that political policy must eventually become concrete. The content comes later and with it the disagreement, division, and disappointment. The care plan will not get off the ground like this, Elke1 will simply become everyone for himself again and the new prime minister will (again) turn out to be a disappointment. You had imagined something different about “the Netherlands you can be proud of.” So let’s hope for election debates with propositions and substantiation that you can wholeheartedly agree with, but especially disagree with so that there is a clear choice in the elections.

Politics
Featured

Seniors And Politicians Conversation

BARENDRECHT – Representatives of all seven parties participating in the municipal elections in Barendrecht entered into a debate on Wednesday. They did this during the political afternoon of senior citizens’ associations KBO and PCOB. The venue was De Ontmoeting, which was occupied to the last seat.

Arie Slob (PCOB) managed the afternoon in a relaxed manner. The representatives were given three minutes to introduce themselves and their party to the seniors who arrived. Ada Dekker did this for GroenLinks, Arjan Stolk on behalf of SGP-CU, Ed Mol on behalf of PvdA, Marianne Tijssen on behalf of D66, Simon Kelder on behalf of VVD, Peter Luijendijk on behalf of CDA and Lennart van der Linden on behalf of Echt for Barendrecht.

Then the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions. Important themes this afternoon were safety, (public) transport, the Service Center, a vacancy on the Middenbaan, and housing. But the first question was about the BAR collaboration and was put to Lennart van der Linden. He said that EVB is against merging. “We think cooperation is very important, but this model is not the perfect solution. We believe that part of the services should come back to Barendrecht. “Ed Mol responded clearly:” Getting out of the BAR cooperation is a completely idiotic plan. We finally have the tent in order. It has been researched: it works fine. ” Simon Kelder added by saying that merging is absolutely out of the question.

There was also talk of free public transport for people over 65, which all parties are enthusiastic about. It was mainly mentioned that there should be more stops and that the connection between old Barendrecht and Carnisselande should be much better. Peter Luijendijk about this: The local bus that will soon be running, really goes through the neighborhoods, so it will partly tackle that problem. ” Marianne Tijssen called on the seniors to let them know what they are missing or to raise this with RET themselves. , which covers the stops, among other things.

Another topic of discussion was the Service Center, where seniors can no longer go. But there is no alternative either. Ada Dekker indicated that a lot is planned where meetings will be possible in the future. One option is to create a meeting space in Borgstede if it receives a quality boost. Luijendijk gave the tip to approach the many schools in the neighborhoods. “They are open to outside users and often have an auditorium that is very suitable.”
The accessibility of the police also turned out to be a concern. Marianne Tijssen said that in the regional consultation it was stated that there is a need for more police officers in Barendrecht, but that the municipality is not about the police. The option to use BOAs and become a volunteer at Neighborhood Prevention was mentioned.

Finally, a lot of attention was paid to housing for seniors and modifications to the home. The lack of transparency of the WMO policy was discussed. And the question of why so many owner-occupied apartments in the high segment are being added was heard from several angles. There is now hardly anything available for the group that just missed out on social housing. Ed Mol about this: “There is no long-term vision. The strategy has always been to opt for expensive projects. And we are afraid of going up in Barendrecht, but such buildings can solve the problems. ” Van der Linden added that much social housing will also be built at the locations on the Botter and the Oude Postkantoor. If your senior love ones are having difficulty to walk you can buy and ‘choose the best narrow walkers for seniors‘ for them.

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