Roemer warned that societal progress over recent decades has too often been interpreted as economic growth and material prosperity. As a result, too few investments have been made in community spirit, culture, and mutual connection. A new coalition agreement could also contribute more in this regard: “Let the plans of a new cabinet finally be a declaration of love to the country,” said the governor.
The full New Years speech is available at Speeches and Annual Report - Province of Limburg (refers to another website) (opens external website)
Not Participating?
In his speech, Roemer distinguished four groups at risk of falling outside society: people who cannot participate due to poverty or lack of opportunities, people who withdraw from society thanks to wealth, people who consciously drop out and undermine the democratic legal order, and people who are no longer reached due to loneliness or individualization.
Different Growth
According to Roemer, this poses a risk to democracy. “A society can only function if everyone can participate,” said Governor Roemer. He called for a broader definition of progress, where economic development goes hand in hand with social and human growth. Investments in neighborhoods, villages, education, culture, and encounters are, according to him, not secondary but essential for stability and connection.
Limburg as a Testing Ground
Roemer explicitly positioned Limburg as a testing ground. According to him, the province can demonstrate how economy and society can strengthen each other, among other things through innovation, sustainability, and investments in livability. “No one may be left behind,” he emphasized. “Let us invest in the Limburg you can live from – and the Limburg you want to live in. Let us make it impossible for Limburgers to drop out.”
Annual Report
During the annual New Years reception in Maastricht, Roemer also presented his 2025 annual report. Borderless Limburg is the theme of the report, which provides an impression of Governor Roemers work in and for Limburg.
The annual report also includes interviews with Limburgers about their views on the theme of borderless Limburg. There is also an overview of photos of meetings, work visits, and special moments from the past year, as well as figures, information, and facts about the work done on many topics.
View the annual report now at https://www.limburg.nl/bestuur/commissaris-koning/toespraken-jaarverslag/ (refers to another website) (opens external website)