Deputy Anouk Gielen: Its really starting now

How do you look back on your appointment?

“The whole process actually went quite fast. Rosan Kocken was informed one evening in early October that she became mayor of the municipality of De Ronde Venen. She then had to introduce herself to the municipal council half an hour later, and her appointment was made public. I then put myself forward as a candidate and after a careful procedure, I was told that the faction nominated me as the new deputy. That was quite a switch. For example, I still had a job to resign from. Political appointments simply do not take notice of notice periods. The realization has now sunk in well. I am very happy that the GroenLinks faction has given me the confidence to succeed Rosan. Its really starting now and I am especially very eager to get to work.”

How is it to join as an administrator halfway through a college period?

“Of course, I am jumping on a moving train, with a team that has been working together for a few years. Many dossiers from the coalition agreement have already seen considerable progress in recent years. How do I prepare for this? I asked myself that question last week as well. As faction leader, I have already dealt with some topics from a different role and know the other deputies quite well. Furthermore, I try to read up well and have, of course, spoken with Rosan. Over the past years, I have admired how she fulfilled the role of deputy. Therefore, I find it a great honor to take over this task from her.”

What do your honeymoon weeks as a new deputy look like?

“It starts with gathering as much information as possible and having open conversations. So, I will first go into the province and meet many people to hear what is going on. What kind of administrator am I? We will discover that together. I have an open character, so I hope people will find me and that I can foster connection. There are many different challenges and interests, but if everyone can express their wishes and arguments, we will reach a common ground and supported decisions.”

At 26 years old, you are the youngest deputy in the Netherlands. What do you think about that?

“I have often been the youngest, so I am used to it. No, I dont mind if people talk about my age. Its just a fact. I especially find it very nice to hold this position and age should not play any role in that. Politics belongs to all of us and everyone can be part of it. As a representative, I already found it important to convey that message to young residents. And also in my new role, I want to show that the province is really there for them.”

What makes you a true North Hollander?

“I was born and raised in Amsterdam and have lived there all my life. Amsterdam and its surroundings hold my most cherished memories, but in the past 6 years, as a member of the Provincial Council, I have visited many other beautiful places in the province. I love walking and want to walk the entire North Holland Path. So far, I have only done one stage. I doubt if I will manage the other 15 stages during this college period, but I do have that ambition. I also like to go into nature in other places in the province. Whether its the Kop, the heath in the Gooi, or Het Twiske. Undoubtedly, many other beautiful places will come my way in the coming time.”

Does walking also help clear your head after a long workweek?

“Certainly. I sometimes say: ‘there are few things that cannot be solved by taking a short walk and thinking about it again’. That is necessary because a lot comes at you as an administrator. Fortunately, I can put things into perspective well, but walking keeps me sharp. I also do yoga and try to exercise regularly.”

Finally: what is still on your bucket list?

“I want to travel for a longer period someday. That hasnt really happened yet and probably wont happen in the coming years either. First, I want to complete this task successfully, which is already enough of a challenge for now.”