Sofyan Mbarki, leader of the PvdA in the Amsterdam council, also thinks that something must be done quickly in Nieuw-West, for example. “But then something with which we can keep the economy running. Because what this district cannot cope with is that the economy is locked up. Then those people will feel it even more”, says Mbarki.
His D66 colleague Reinier van Dantzig agrees. According to him, another lockdown “really kills the economy and society of Amsterdam”.
According to Marianne Poot, leader of the Amsterdam VVD, the current measures no longer seem to work. She thinks that what should be done is “a very complicated matter”. In any case, she believes that the municipality should be more visible and communicate better in neighborhoods with a lot of infections. “Because I see an absent mayor and an absent college”, says Poot.
She also argues for better enforcement of the current measures and for more testing capacity “very soon”. Poot: “The councilor must come up with unorthodox measures”.
‘Cabinet must take the lead’
Mbarki (PvdA) and Van Dantzig (D66) think that the cabinet should take the lead now that the view of the spread of the virus is disappearing, according to the politicians. “In Amsterdam we want to do everything we can to do what is necessary, but we do need government coverage,” says Van Dantzig.
For example, the cabinet could assist when it comes to testing capacity. “Testing gives freedom and stops people from spreading it,” he explains. “So if it’s the worst for us, Amsterdammers should also be able to get themselves tested the fastest. Because if you have to wait 74 hours for a result, like now, it is tempting to go to the supermarket. That’s not good. but that’s how it goes. “
Clear communication
Van Dantzig also thinks the cabinet should be clearer when it comes to communication. Van Dantzig: “Rutte and De Jonge must show very clearly what the path is with which we are going to fight the virus in the coming winter. Ultimately, people want to know: where are we and what can we do.”
PvdA party leader Mbarki agrees. He also believes that any new measures should be given a national character. “Regionally, it’s harder to stick to the line and you get so many differences, while people need clarity,” he says.
When asked, he sees something in the duty of masking. “Then something happens in people’s behavior. If you look around you now, you think: there is not much going on. I prefer not to have it either. But if I have to choose between a face mask or the economy locked up. I still opt for a face mask. As long as the shops remain open and people keep their jobs. “
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