Sandra Beckerman

Biography

“Closing the gap between rich and poor and between the Randstad and shrinking regions”

I studied archaeology at the University of Groningen and have a PhD on the people who lived in North Holland between about 2900-2300 BC. I became politically active as a student, partly in response to the unjust Iraq war. I used to be a lecturer at the University of Groningen and headed the SP's Scientific Bureau.

Groningen

I have been a member of the provincial council of Groningen for the SP since 2007. It often appears as if Groningen does not matter. 100,000 people have seen their homes damaged due to gas extractions and many have suffered psychological damage, but far too little has been done about it. Groningen has been exploited and abandoned, and I will certainly stand up for the people of Groningen in The Hague. Of course, I will also continue to live in Groningen for now.

Bridging the gap

Many people in shrinking regions feel they no longer matter. A chasm has developed between the Randstad and the rest of the country, which was hit hard by the austerity measures introduced in recent years. We have to fight this increasing inequality. The gap between rich and poor has also been widening, and it is up to us to bridge that gap by investing in jobs, liveability, amenities, and healthcare. The SP is committed to the fight for equality, including financial equality, and I’m honoured to do my part.