Merlien Welzijn

Biography

“Adversity shapes character”

As an MP, you represent all Dutch people, but most Dutch people are quite capable of taking care of themselves. My goal is to watch out for vulnerable people who, for whatever reason, struggle to keep up in society, as I too have experienced what that can be like.

Homeless

I experienced poverty as a child and even was homeless for a while. Without a roof over your head, it becomes impossible to centre. While it was difficult at times, I refuse to play the victim. At home, we always say that adversity shapes character. Besides, people who have had to grapple with their share of bad luck will have more empathy for others who find themselves in a pickle. I try to remember that whenever I make or review policy, checking whether plans will actually have their intended effect. Politicians' intentions are good, but policy does not always work the way it should.

Good governance and secure livelihoods

Our party stands for good governance and secure livelihoods, which makes housing a natural area of interest. We need to build homes, but also look for better ways to use the homes we already have. Before becoming an MP, I worked in public housing for 20 years. I was a manager at first, before spending the last six years as an executive at a housing association. In all those years, I learned a lot about housing, and I plan to put that knowledge to use to create more homes.