After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we were faced with taking a position. Are you for Russia or for Ukraine? After the violence in Israel, we are again expected to take a stand. It reminds me of the corona days. Apparently, you always have to be for one and against the other. And as soon as you share your position, nay as soon as it is clear to the other where you stand, you are showered with jeers and malicious expressions.
The predictable has come true. Entrepreneurs who have had coronasteun are in huge trouble with the repayment of deferred taxes and excess contributions. The originators of this misery are now outgoing and under their desks. Not much more can be expected from them. The tax authorities have announced that the bailiffs are on the starting blocks to start garnishments and other collection measures. The battlefield is being prepared.
My lucky number is 7, so I had started Friday 7/7 with a very positive expectation. That the cabinet would fall I had not seen coming, actually too much luck for one day. Rutte knows more than we know, I thought. I assumed electoral insights. Wrong!
When business owners talk to each other, it is an open door that they have concerns of their staff. "I wish you lots of staff" is an often used, though sarcastically intended, dedication. "But you can't live without them," is then soon the response. It surprises me greatly that entrepreneurs have so much trouble with their HR management. The latter is already the question, whether they realize that they are Human Resources. Resources, in other words, who take care of achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Who think along and help solve problems, who make your often unclearly formulated goals come true.
Last Pentecost Sunday marked the 40th anniversary of the priesthood of Monsignor de Jong, parish priest of Maastricht-East. Besides his pastoral duties, he is also auxiliary bishop of Roermond, army bishop and bishop of the prison service. I don't think I have even named all his activities with that. Former Bishop Frans Wiertz, the rector of Rolduc and some senior members of the armed forces attended the celebration. The parishioners did not walk out en masse; the church was only partially filled. In and around the pubs at the later carnival celebrations, however, it was very busy. Typical of the current times.
Last Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten held his first climate press conference. It is intended that a series of such press conferences will follow. In them, he will update us on the implementation of climate plans. A €35 billion climate fund has been established by this administration. Of this, €28 billion is now earmarked. It is therefore good that society is informed about the progress of the implementation of the plans. Mind you, this has nothing to do with the nitrogen crisis. It is about combating global warming, especially through CO2 emissions.
I had promised not to vote. I kept it, despite the frequent flare-ups of conscience. My vote could not stop the political landslide. At least that is what the newspaper called it. Instead of a dancing Kaag on the table now a dancing Caroline on the stage.
Last week I was in Lattrop, a small village in Twente. Not immediately a place you think of when looking for relaxation. It lies in the north-eastern part of Twente, pressed up against the German border. Twente is in Overijssel and has nothing to do with the Achterhoek, as is often assumed. Places like Hengelo, Almelo, Enschede and Oldenzaal are well known. Not exactly cities you want to visit in particular, either. Unless it should be for Oldenzaal's big carnival parade, which attracts as many as 100,000 people.