Criticism of minister Bijleveld’s church attendance: ‘Doesn’t she set an example?’

Last night Minister Ank Bijleveld of Defense attended a physical church service in her hometown Goor. Critics do not find that useful. “As a minister she has an exemplary function in corona time,” says defense union AFMP RTV East.

Last night, the minister paid a visit to the Hofkerk, which, despite the advice to keep services as digital as possible on Christmas Eve, nevertheless held physical services. According to the church, the services in principle intended for a maximum of thirty visitors who, for example, are lonely or have no internet.

A spokesman for the minister says that the minister is a member of the church and for that reason has been invited. She accepted this, partly because her husband works there as a volunteer. According to the spokesman, there were a total of sixteen visitors.

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The cabinet previously urged churches to limit physical services as much as possible. The pressure on healthcare is high, also in Twente. There did the hospital this week a job on defense and former IC nurses to help out in hospitals.

The AFMP trade union is critical of the minister of Defense’s church attendance. “I believe that everyone should follow the rules as much as possible and that a minister also has an exemplary role,” says chair Anne-Marie Snels.

PVV MP Roy van Aalst also does not understand the church visit of Bijleveld. “I think it’s typical CDA. Something with a wedding”, he tells RTV Oost, referring to Minister Grapperhaus of Justice who came under fire for not adhering to the corona measures at his own wedding.

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