“The Netherlands now much better than in 1822”
Photo: YT CC
Sophie Hermans, party leader of the VVD, is proud of the progress that has taken place in the Netherlands. “The lives of the Dutch have improved over the past two hundred years,” says Hermans.
In a long interview in the AD Hermans points out the many procedures that have occurred in our country since 1822 and from which citizens now benefit. “Workers have a higher income than two hundred years ago. In addition, the entire population has access to streams of water and access. And when it gets dark, you can easily switch on an electric lamp. Two hundred years ago, when the VVD did not yet exist, it would have been conceivable,” said Hermans.
In terms of the state, too, according to Hermans, the Netherlands is much better than two hundred years ago: “In 1822, the Netherlands still had scabies. That itches a lot. Now almost no one has scabies. Sometimes forget that. You can ask people without the VVD were still scratching.”
The VVD has been supplying the prime minister since 2010. From that moment on, according to Hermans, progress went even faster: “My party has always been greatly improved by innovation. That has produced wonderful results. For example, take a look at WhatsApp and Tinder, which make it very easy for citizens to keep in touch and find a match. Before the first cabinet under Rutte’s leadership began, none of that had happened. I think we should be more proud of that.”
