A delegation from the Provincial and Regional States of North Brabant and Limburg visited the Senate on Wednesday, September 24. The members of the States debated in the plenary hall of the Senate with various senators about the housing challenge and the defense plan.
Debate
The meeting took place under the chairmanship of acting Senate President Mei Li Vos. In her welcome speech, she briefly reflected on the special bond between the Senate and the provinces due to the indirect elections of the Senate. The senators are elected by the members of the Provincial States. She also addressed the relationship with the current caretaker government, which does not have a majority in the current Senate.
State member Hubert Koevoets (LokaalBrabant) then started the debate in the first session with the theme housing challenge. Senate member Wim Jaspers (BBB) held a co-report on this. The second part dealt with the defense plan, which not only concerns soldiers and equipment but also more space for barracks, storage places, low-flying areas, and training grounds. State member Leon Vaessen (D66 - Limburg) gave an introduction to which Senate member Math Goossen (BBB) responded.
Reactions
Limburg State member Lisa Wolters (PvdA) said about the meeting: It was a particularly interesting visit. It is good to talk with a fellow government about topics that are important to us and to hear how senators think about this. I have already had many meaningful conversations today.
For Brabant State member Marco Havermans (BBB), the visit to the Senate was very valuable. According to him, it provides a clear picture of how the Senate works and the atmosphere that prevails.
Emile Roemer, Governor of Limburg, said: Besides the fact that it is very nice to be here today, this visit is also very important. It is very valuable for provinces to maintain short lines with senators. I also hope that senators will come to visit us in the provinces.
Provincial Visits
This was the fourth provincial visit in the current term of the Senate, which started on June 13, 2023. Earlier, the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, North Holland and Utrecht, and Groningen and Drenthe visited the Senate. The meetings are part of periodic visits of provinces to the Senate. The States of all twelve provinces visit the Senate once every legislative period.
During the provincial visits, the focus is on strengthening the ties between the Senate and the provinces and increasing its visibility to this important target group. Provincial States members elect the members of the Senate every four years.
