No second term in the House of Representatives for CDA member and dairy farmer Maurits von Martels. This appeared on Tuesday from the electoral list published by the CDA for the upcoming elections in March 2021. The name of Von Martels, who was still elected in 2017 with preferential votes, was missing.
The CDA has Tuesday her list of candidates for the upcoming elections announced. A somewhat striking name was missing: that of Maurits von Martels. During the past elections, the dairy farmer and former alderman van Dalfsen entered the House with more than 21.000 preferential votes. Despite these votes, his party placed him in 39th place. A position for which he has kindly declined.
Place 39, did you see this coming?
"No, certainly not. This comes as a very unexpected development. Of course it was not in line with the expectation that I was in the first 10, but I expected around 20th place. And then almost back to square one, feels like a serious disappointment. I miss a token of appreciation for the work I have done in recent years. Fortunately, however, 2 people from Overijssel are in the top 20. Eline Vedder can also do a lot in 23rd place for the agricultural sector "Of course you have to give talent a chance. I don't think it is just a mockery for myself, but especially for the people who voted for me in 2017. More than 21.000 votes is not nothing and they are quickly pushed aside."
Why not go back to war to prove the party wrong with preferential votes?
"That is certainly possible, but then I end up in the same vicious circle again. Suppose I get enough votes again, then I can take a seat again and again not interpret my agricultural voice. That is of no use to anyone, it will be a repetition of recent years. That's why I think it's better to close this now and look for possible other positions where I can make a difference."
Have you emerged sufficiently as a Member of Parliament in recent years?
"I think reasonable in itself, except with what I had in mind when I took office: the agricultural portfolio. But I am satisfied with my efforts in mobility, including the approach to the N35, asbestos and PFAS. I got stuck in. With regard to agriculture, I was able to spar well with Jaco Geurts on certain topics. But I did not achieve what I wanted as a spokesperson for agriculture."
The CDA's status as a farmer's party seems to be under pressure. What are the expectations for the upcoming elections?
"I think it's not that bad as far as the status as a farmer's party is concerned. The CDA places Eline at 23, while I was at 44, Jaco remains approximately in the same place. This puts candidates on the list who are capable of represent agriculture. The party does not intend to become a 'Randstad party', so to speak. They are still very fond of agriculture and try to connect city and country."
What's on your schedule now? Will we see you again on an administrative, agricultural stage?
"That remains to be seen. I am open to all kinds of developments, but I don't know what it will be in the end. I will first resume work on our dairy farm. Maybe I will like farming again later that I will take up the board positions. put it aside. But again, that should all show itself. In any case, I take the time to see what the final interpretation will be."
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