Lisa Westerveld

Biography

“A voice for the voiceless”

Ever since I studied philosophy, I have been heavily involved in education, first as president of the National Union of Students and then as information officer of the General Education Union. I have always fought for good education, because no truly equal society can do without it.

From Nijmegen to the Binnenhof

Before becoming an MP, I was a councillor in Nijmegen, where I championed social welfare and experiments with universal basic income. I also campaigned for sustainable and accessible sports facilities and a green, bicycle-friendly city centre.

Helping those who need it most

I want to be a voice for the voiceless: for adolescents and adults with mental health problems withering away on waiting lists, for people with disabilities facing countless hurdles and obstacles, and for children growing up in poverty. The people who need government support the most are precisely those who are often forgotten, some of whom simply cannot march to The Hague to knock on our door. As public officials, we have a duty to represent their interests. In the past, I have put forward highly practical proposals for these people, such as our initiative bill on Disability in the Netherlands (Ons land is beperkt), in which we make 70 proposals to make the Netherlands a more accessible place. I also proposed amending the Youth Act to give young people a say in their own treatment. We need to get behind people working in the public sector: teachers, nurses and first responders should be able to do their valuable jobs safely.

Metal concerts and football

I am just as dedicated in the House as I am on the football pitch. Loud metal concerts are my favourite way to relax.