Ahead of local elections, you have three opportunities to hear Tervuren politicians and new MEP Anna Strolenberg in action this week on Thursday, 3 October. The trio of debates in Tervuren, held in the lead-up to the local elections, cover youth issues, town council policies, and integration in Tervuren.
Starting sharply at 20:45 is ‘t Groot Debat, or the Big Debate. Here, the top candidates from the four joint lists competing in the elections will debate – or perhaps argue – over policy points. The debate will be conducted in Dutch, in the chic Warandepoort Theatre. This year, politicians are being reminded to keep things civil. The discussion is scheduled to end at 23:00, followed by a “drankje en babbel” or a drink and chat in the Foyer.
“Respect is key. We debate content and programs, not personal attacks on fellow candidates,” is the instruction sent to local politicians. Topics for the top candidates’ debate range from business, village festivals, urban planning, finance, and local taxes.
Before the top candidates take the stage, there will be a youth debate starting promptly at 19:30. This debate will focus on topics such as community life, ‘hangjongeren’ or loitering youth, insufficient or outdated infrastructure, sports and youth hubs, and nightlife. Another critical topic is future housing: Can young people continue to live here, and how do you plan to ensure that? The youth debate is expected to last exactly one hour.
Register for ‘t Groot Debat via https://www.facebook.com/events/8311306732263609/
Register for the Tervuren Unie and Volt debate at Register for the Tervuren Unie and Volt debate via tervuren @volteuropa.org. More details at: Volt Tervuren on Facebook
Last but perhaps not least is a debate organised by Tervuren Unie and Volt. Held across the square, the talk features an introductory speech by Volt MEP Anna Strolenberg. Before being elected to the European Parliament in July 2024, Strolenberg worked for the Dutch Refugee Network. Starting at 20:00 sharp, Strolenberg, along with other local panelists, will explore how Tervuren has built an impressive track record of integration, particularly for children moving into its Dutch-speaking schools.
But with an increasingly diverse population, what lessons can Tervuren draw from within, as well as from Europe and beyond, to ensure further positive integration? And as the elections approach, how can Tervuren achieve greater political representation for its non-Belgian residents?
WARNING: This article covers local politics. The author, Dafydd ab Iago, is a professional journalist and a candidate for Tervuren’s town council, running for Volt Europa’s Tervuren branch.
© Article and photos are licensed under the Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. Photo of Anna Strolenberg. ©EU 2024. Source: EP. Photographer: Fred Marvaux.
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