Say whut: the career switch of farmer Bertie is surprising

I can imagine anything about Bertie. That she becomes a stuntwoman for example, a mascot for the Dutch national team, in the navy for my part, but I didn't see this coming from my farmer bestie. Yes: Bertie is going into politics.

The former Expedition winner will be eligible for the Provincial States and water board elections in Renesse. She is in fact in tenth place on the list of the Party for Zeeland for both elections. How badass is that? Of course, I had to message her right away.

Bertie, girlfriend, how are you?

“Going really well, Kiek! And you?”

Very well! Hey, what do I hear now, are you going into politics?

“Haha, that's right. I am a list pusher in the middle tier for the Party of Zeeland, although I don't expect to be elected directly.”

Where does this interest in regional parties come from?
“It doesn't come out of nowhere. I was in the municipal council for Leefbaar Schouwen-Duiveland (LSD, yes I know, what a nice abbreviation, haha) from 2002 to 2006. And the Party of Zeeland approached me last year to see if I wanted to be on their list. After a good conversation and after delving a bit deeper into their positions, I concluded that I could relate well to them.”

Nice going! You even sound politically correct ;-). What is your main goal?

“People may not realize that there is often a great alternative at the provincial level to the national parties with a vote in the House of Representatives. The voice of the citizen should sound much clearer, in my opinion.”

Okay, Bertie, you got me. I say: move over, Mark. #BertieForPresident.

Image: Expeditie Robinson