Also note that “my pupil” is not learning. Because in South Limburg, for example, the same mistakes as in Groningen are repeated after the floods when it comes to repairing the damage. “I understand even after all the misery he’s caused. They experience the government actually sitting across from them instead of next to them. It’s a bad development.’
Crooked
Asked if he still has faith in politics, Van Zutphen says, “I tend to say no.” He points out that tens of thousands of people have encountered major problems due to, among other things, the story of the surcharge and the consequences of the gas drilling in Groningen. ‘There are citizens in Limburg who are still waiting for their money, a year and a half after the floods. While in a prosperous country like ours it is assumed that everything is well organised. And the government knows what needs to be done to fix it. This is still the most bitter.’
“No support from the House”
He also doesn’t feel supported by the House of Representatives, which nominated him. ‘It’s shocking that sometimes you have to tell the same story every year. So you get a lot of sympathy and a listening ear and think: Now finally the nails are being poked. But if you have to keep the same tune a year later why hasn’t anything happened…’, according to the National Ombudsman. «Yes, then sometimes you get discouraged and wonder why the parliament has nominated you and ask your advice. In any case, there is still little evidence of the new administrative culture there.’