Joint Statement by the Political Groups in the Kerkrade City Council

Respect for Our Employees

The employees of the municipality of Kerkrade work hard every day on behalf of our residents. They do important work, often in complex situations. The undersigned political parties in the city council greatly appreciate their dedication.

Recently, there has been a great deal of media attention focused on politics and governance in Kerkrade. In some cases, individual civil servants are also mentioned or personally criticized. The undersigned political parties believe this is inappropriate.

Criticism of the municipal government is part of a healthy democracy. Residents, organizations, the media, and political parties must be able to voice criticism of the municipality’s policies and decisions. That is important. However, criticism must be based on facts and expressed respectfully.

Political responsibility for decisions lies with the municipal government. It is not appropriate to hold individual employees publicly accountable for political decisions or to unfairly cast them in a negative light.

The undersigned political parties therefore clearly distance themselves from publicly singling out and making unfounded accusations against individual employees and executives! We are committed to ensuring the safety of public services. Where do you draw the line? 

In this joint statement, the political parties express their support and appreciation for all employees of the municipality of Kerkrade. 

The undersigned political parties of the Kerkrade City Council

Bryan van Putten Jos Piefer
VVD Kirchroa Party Chair Kerkrade Seniors' Party Chair

Sander Gorissen Danny Pouwels
Chair of the PRO Kerkrade Caucus Chair of the Burgerbelangen Kerkrade Caucus

Marc Charlier Noud Krasovec
Chair of the Local Alternative Caucus Chair of the Ons Kerkrade Caucus