Our society longs for dullness. Dull as in: reliable, predictable, and responsible. That was said by Kings Commissioner Ina Adema this afternoon in her New Years speech at the provincial hall in ’s-Hertogenbosch.
In a time of social tensions, intimidation, and hardening, ‘dullness’ is, according to her, not a weakness but the new form of courage. The commissioner spoke out sharply against intimidation of administrators and representatives, among others following recent incidents where provincial council members and local administrators were pressured. ‘A robust debate belongs to democracy, but scaremongering and threats are unacceptable,” she emphasized. Fear, she stated, undermines not only individuals but society as a whole.
Together
Besides ‘dull’, the theme together was central. According to the commissioner, this is not an empty concept but the cement of a strong society. Togetherness is crucial to progress on important social challenges such as nature restoration, broad prosperity, and energy transition, the commissioner said. She mentioned, among others, Serious Request in ’s-Hertogenbosch as a recent example of social solidarity. She praised the ambition and administrative courage underlying the establishment of a branch of the Rijksmuseum in Eindhoven.
Sparkling
The third theme of the speech was sparkling: Brabant as a creative, cultural, and innovative province. The commissioner awarded the honorary citizenship of the province to three well-known Brabanders: Wim Daniëls, Corry Konings, and Frank Lammers.
Kings Commissioner Ina Adema with the Brabant honorary citizens Wim Daniëls, Corry Konings, and Frank Lammers.