‘Working together for radical equality’
That is the result of the general members’ meeting (GM) of the Amsterdam Bij1 on Sunday. Within the party there is much disagreement about the way in which the party conducts politics. On the one hand there is the activism movement and first there is the political movement.
The GMM ensured that the gap between these two groups was closed again. According to board chairman Jürgen Oliviera, that has been successful. “We have taken steps to continue together in the future. It is good that members are critical. They indicate that they want more participation and contact. We will have to have them better,” said Oliviera.
The chairman recognizes that Bij1 members clash with each other, but he sees it as ‘growing pains’ where the party has to go. Oliviera: “We reproduce as party mechanisms that we also see in society. As a new organization this is completely normal and the problems are not insurmountable. Together we must resolve this and work towards radical equality.”
Knowledge agency
During the meeting, the elders (elders) talked about the course of the party. Gloria Wekker and Sylvana Simons, among others, talked about the basic principles of the party. Oliviera says it is the task of the Amsterdam department to plan this better. Oliviera: “There will be a working group in which we will learn how the fundamental principles of the party are embedded in our politics. A knowledge agency will help with that.”
Bij1 won 3 of the 45 seats in the municipal elections in Amsterdam in March. The two would also oppose each other ideologically: Nilab Ahmadi is in the camp of left-wing activism, instructions from the political movements.
Both councilors returned positively to Sunday’s meeting. Kabamba: “It was very connecting. We have discussed everything today and we are now at a point where we can move forward.”
Ahmadi: “We have to reflect on what could be done better in the match, but this was a step in the right direction. Professionally, things are going well between me and Carla. It has a view on selected points.”
Sacred Belief
Ahmadi also stood up to the board during the election campaign and filed a complaint about abuse of power. The complaint would be unfounded, but Ahmadi does not want to say anything about it. When asked above she thinks she will leave the party, she responds negatively. “For now, I’m staying with the party. I am absolutely convinced of the principles of Bij1.”
Oliviera is confident that Ahmadi will stay with the party. Discussions will be held between the board and the councilor for better cooperation. Oliviera: “We are going again as board with the group. I have every confidence that everything will be fine. Also among the council members themselves.”