M:OED presents duo at top of election list

The M:OED Party Board proudly presents the duo of Bram van den Berkmortel and Aurele Boesten as the lead candidates for the upcoming municipal elections. Thanks to Maastricht University, the university of applied sciences, and the MUMC+, Maastricht is thriving. Despite this, the council pays little attention to the city’s large student population, which is a vital component of this success. We believe this can and should be improved. Here are a few examples:

• • The council deliberately keeps student housing prices high, and applies all sorts of regulations to keep student houses out of the city centre. M:OED wants more student houses with shared facilities and affordable rent.
  • The council focuses primarily on amenities and entertainment for seniors and tourists. M:OED wants more culture for young people, more attention to a safe and vibrant nightlife, and also good and sufficient study spaces for students.
  • Maastricht is still a car-driven city. M:OED wants to see good train connections to Cologne, Hasselt, Brussels, and Antwerp, and cycling given ample space in the city center.
  • The council has little regard for sustainability. M:OED wants an end to shops leaving their doors open while the air conditioning or heating is on, and wants much more greenery in the city. The many historic buildings in the city are also in dire need of proper insulation.

Time for new faces and ambition
Just as in the previous municipal elections, a new generation of young people will take the lead in this. We are therefore pleased that a large group of students is actively committed to the city.

M:OED uses an overlapping “roof-tile” model: young Maastricht residents are given the opportunity to participate, contribute ideas, and gradually become involved in the city’s political and administrative work. Within the four-year council term, we enthusiastically hand over the seats to well-prepared faction members. This makes council work more accessible to young Maastricht residents. This way, knowledge is shared, sustainable political innovation is fostered, and a new generation is prepared to make an impact in and for Maastricht.

About the candidates
In the coming months, Maastricht residents will get to know Bram and Aurele, the leading candidates, even better. They’ll demonstrate their values throughout the city, through initiatives, and in conversations with residents. Their shared strength: an active and recognizable role in Maastricht’s student life, and the drive to make that voice heard politically.

Bram van den Berkmortel:

• “My goal with M:OED is to make students’ voices heard in the Maastricht city council. To work towards Maastricht becoming a true student city where students are more accepted and integrated into the culture.”

Aurele Boesten:

• “I’m very excited about this new movement within M:OED; a party for students, by students, that wants to help create a city where young Maastricht residents feel more involved in local politics.”

Jim Allen on behalf of the Party Board:

• “This duo brings so much energy. It’s wonderful to see how they shape the party’s policies. The combination of honesty, openness, and mutual respect is wonderful to witness..”

Current party leader Martin van Rooij also expresses his support:

• “We strongly believe in shared leadership and in combining experience with fresh energy. This duo embodies that, and I’m very pleased with them. Maastricht is a university city and is experiencing the growing pains of becoming a true student city. It’s crucial that this group is heard. With Bram and Aurele, M:OED has two driving forces who will amplify that voice. Together, they will make a difference for Maastricht.”

The full list of candidates will be determined by the General Members’ Meeting in the second half of January.

Call to Maastricht residents

M:OED invites anyone who feels inspired to sign up or contribute in other ways to an open, honest, and democratic city of Maastricht.

Interested parties can contact the board at welkom@stemvoormoed.nl