The election manifesto of the Christian Union outlines a vision in which sustainability and social care go hand in hand.
At a time when climate change and sustainability are dominant themes, the Christian Union presents an election manifesto aimed at a holistic change in our society. The party positions itself as a steward of the earth and promotes a paradigm shift in our economic model to one in which care for the planet and each other is central.
The concept of stewardship forms the guiding principle of the party programme. The Christian Union believes that it is our duty to care for the planet and its inhabitants, and to leave it in a better condition for future generations. A challenge that the party believes is transgenerational.
In addition, the focus is on creating a “flourishing society” with a government that is close and helpful. This translates into several concrete policy proposals, including investments in public transport, rail, and cycling infrastructure. But the party goes further than just building new routes or adding more bicycle sheds. They want to change the entire mobility culture of the Netherlands.
The Christian Union's election manifesto comes at a time of immense challenges, but offers a vision that is radically different in many respects.
For example, the Christian Union aims for a so-called accessibility fund from which projects can be financed that combine different forms of transport. This would not only improve accessibility to cities, but also to rural areas, where good bus connections are "invaluable" according to the party.
When it comes to mobility, the Christian Union shows a special ambition to break current trends. While much of the post-war infrastructure is approaching its technical lifespan, the party sees this as an opportunity to not only renew, but also improve.
In the field of public transport, the party even goes so far as to argue for the abolition of VAT on train, tram and bus journeys, as well as the removal of all kinds of additional costs that discourage travel by public transport. In this way, the Christian Union hopes to present public transport as an attractive and affordable alternative, especially in response to rising costs and reduced services that threaten the countryside.
maintenance
As far as rail infrastructure is concerned, it is not only about maintenance, but also about carrying out major projects such as the Lely Line and Lower Saxony Line. These new lines would not only improve the accessibility of the north of the Netherlands, but also shorten travel times between the Randstad and other parts of the country. In addition, attention is being paid to modernizing the existing track by, among other things, using hydrogen or electric locomotives.
The ambition goes even further to introduce automatic driving on at least five railway routes before 2030 and to replace diesel locomotives with hydrogen or electric locomotives by 2030 at the latest. These plans should put the train on the map not only as an attractive, but also as an environmentally friendly alternative.
Finally, the plan also contains measures for the accessibility of public transport. Investments are being made in technologies that simplify check-in and check-out and make it accessible for people with physical or visual disabilities.
The party board of the Christian Union nominates Mirjam Bikker as party leader for the upcoming elections.
Party chairman Ankie van Tatenhove enthusiastically confirmed that Mirjam Bikker, who has led the party since the beginning of this year, has made herself available to continue her role as leader. According to Van Tatenhove, Bikker is “the right person” to bring the detailed and ambitious plans of the Christian Union to the attention of voters.
Mirjam Bikker herself, who heads what she calls 'Team CU', sees the recent events in the country as a source of extra motivation to take on the challenges ahead. She expressed her admiration for the members of her party, whom she sees as committed and talented in their efforts to bring about positive changes in the Netherlands.
For Bikker, this is a crucial moment: according to her, the Netherlands "needs a story of values more than ever", and that is exactly what the Christian Union has to offer. It program of the Christian Union reflects an ambitious and comprehensive commitment to a society that is both socially and environmentally sustainable. It marks a major shift in how we think about mobility, the economy, and our responsibility for the planet and for each other.
