The workload among politicians in The Hague must be reduced. This is the view of Chamber President Bergkamp, who wants to talk to Prime Minister Rutte to see how politicians with a burnout can be prevented from being left home.
“The workload in his cabinet is also high. This is a combination between the cabinet and the House of Representatives,” says Bergkamp in response to recent reports about overstrained politicians who can no longer do their job.
CDA MP Omtzigt made known today that he is not yet going to work. Omtzigt is number two on the CDA candidate list. He announced in mid-February that he would slow down, but his recovery is taking longer. For the next 16 weeks, a deputy will take over Omtzigt’s work.
Also outgoing minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Van ‘t Wout (VVD) is at home with a burnout. He will stay at home for the next three months, the Government Information Service reported yesterday. And CDA MP Van der Molen is also sick at home, certainly until August.
Stress
Bergkamp emphasizes that the work pressure of MPs has always been high, but that efforts should be made to reduce “the unnecessary”. The agenda of the House of Representatives must become more predictable, so that there is no stress about which debate might be taking place. She wants a discussion about this with all group chairmen of the political parties.
“The balance between work and private life is important,” said Chamber chairman Bergkamp. “That is the case for everyone, including MPs.”
Threat
Bergkamp has also adapted roll-call votes, which requires everyone to be present. “That was always a threat. Agreements have now been made about this.” From now on, these kinds of votes must be announced in advance, so that everyone can take them into account.
Bergkamp hopes to come up with more plans with the group chairmen. “We are going to see what else we can do.”
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