The Hague is going to be the safest city in the Netherlands for women and girls. We will crack down on femicide, street intimidation and domestic violence. And we will design our city through women’s eyes, so that parks and streets are built specifically with women’s safety in mind. Every woman should be free and able to make her own choices in life. That is why we prioritize the economic independence of all women in The Hague.

Every child in The Hague should grow up with equal opportunity. We will reserve €4 million to combat child poverty and make public transport free of charge for everyone under 16 years old. Children should be able to play in well-maintained playgrounds surrounded by trees and other greenery, not surrounded by trash and dangerous traffic. Because every child deserves to grow up healthy and safe. When children do need extra help and attention, we find it unacceptable that they have to wait for months to receive care. That’s why we focus on youth care free of waiting lists.

Housing is not a lottery, but a right. By investing €150 million we will spare nothing to build affordable houses. Empty houses while people are looking for a place to stay is unacceptable, and we will combat vacant rental housing with law enforcement and fines. The same goes for unfair rental prices, discriminatory practices and negligent landlords. You should be able to live in an affordable house with reasonable energy expenses, where it’s nice and warm in winter and comfortable and cool in summer.

A decent and affordable house that fits your situation is a right, regardless of who you are and how much you make. But the current housing crisis threatens this right, and makes our housing market feel like a lottery. By investing €150 million we will change that. This major investment will create more affordable houses, both rental and self-owned, which we will spread over the city. We do not want a concentration of either expensive or affordable housing in specific neighbourhoods, but a healthy and vibrant mix across the entire city. This way, you can live in the neighbourhood where you feel most at home, regardless of your budget.

The future of The Hague is green. We want to be a climate-neutral city as soon as possible, with special attention for lower-income households. Investing in livable streets is a priority: green and quiet streets where children can play outside safely, without dangerous traffic nearby. That’s why we will plant 10.000 new trees in the coming years and make 30 km/h the norm for the maximum driving speed. Public transport will be made affordable for everyone, and free for children up to 16 years old.

Too many people have trouble making ends meet, and too many children grow up in poverty. This is unacceptable. Everyone should be able to manage their daily affairs, such as groceries and rent, without financial stress. That starts with a fair wage or reward for an internship. And if you cannot work, we help you to find a place that does fit or guide you towards care. Healthcare should be accessible to all who need it, regardless of income. That’s why we provide free youth care and continue with a special, affordable health insurance provided by the municipality for lower-income households.

The opportunities you get in life are still dependent on zip-code in The Hague. Nowhere in the Netherlands is it more important in which part of the city you grow up in, or what your parents’ income is. Eradicating this inequality in opportunity is a top priority for us. By investing in education and putting a teacher in front of every class, ensuring that we have a vibrant cultural sector, and creating opportunities for sport, every child will be able to develop themselves. There is no place for discrimination and racism in our city. That’s why our focus is on creating an inclusive The Hague, in which we live together and everyone can be themselves. 

Everyone should be safe and welcome in our city. Whether you come to The Hague to flee violence or persecution, seek labor opportunities, come here to study or just wish to live in our beautiful city: everyone deserves a fair start here. As the international city of peace and justice we are in solidarity with people who suffer war, violence and oppression. Like the people of Gaza, who suffer under genocidal violence, Ukrainians, Kurds, Uyghurs, Sudanese, Congolese, Papuans, and Yemenites.

Much too frequently, people face problems when they need help from the municipality. Too many people get stuck in complicated forms and procedures. That’s why we want a municipality that operates on the basis of trust, and makes sure an employee is always there to answer any question you may have. When something does go wrong, we will seek a solution together without fines. If you do need to pay something back, it will always be with an eye on your personal circumstances and without financial stress.