Gijs Tuinman

Biography

“Stop pawning off problems on the next generation”

I bring a lot of highly diverse experience to the House. When I was younger, I used to work on a farm, where I learned how to use both my brains and my hands. After that, I spent 25 years with the Ministry of Defence as a soldier and entered politics, without having to change my core mission: protecting our freedom. The main demographics I want to stand up for in the House are farmers, citizens and protectors – all those people who dedicate their lives to keeping the rest of us safe, such as soldiers, veterans, police, firemen and women, security guards, and healthcare personnel.

Rolling up your sleeves

Making plans is all well and good, but actually solving problems is better. I entered politics because I am a thinker and a doer, and implementing the plans you made yourself always produces the best solutions. When you feel ownership of problems, you will never try to pawn them off on someone else. I am in favour of looking at what people need in their towns and provinces, instead of imposing centralised, top-down governance from The Hague. Polarisation will not solve our problems, cooperation will.

Surfing

If I have space and time between debates, I like going surfing in Scheveningen. Other hobbies of mine include skiing and climbing. Being out in nature makes me feel alive and teaches me time and time again that not everything is in our control. Ultimately, the sea and wind determine what kind of session I will have. All I can do is adapt and have as good a time as possible, as that’s the only thing we do have in our own hands.