Caravan Residents Take Political Action Amidst Pitch Shortage in the Netherlands

The shortage of caravan pitches in the Netherlands has spurred a new strategy within the caravan community: direct political engagement. Residents, facing years-long waiting lists and unfulfilled promises, are seeking representation in municipal councils to advocate for their needs and cultural recognition.

From Waiting Lists to the Campaign Trail

Willem Schneider, a 41-year-old roofer from Maastricht, exemplifies this shift. He is running on the CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal) list in the March 18 municipal elections, hoping to address the lack of available pitches in Maastricht. Schneider, a long-time resident of Vinkenslag, now known as De Karosseer, believes direct involvement in local government is crucial. “I hope to have a say in really solving this from the municipal council,” he stated, advocating for collaboration rather than discussion *about* the community. CDA Maastricht

Schneider is positioned as the ninth candidate on the CDA list and is relying on preferential votes to secure a seat. The CDA currently holds four council seats. His campaign highlights the urgent require for more locations.

A Nationwide Trend

Schneider is not alone. Candidates with caravan backgrounds are also appearing on lists in Amersfoort, Haarlem, Helmond, Hoogeveen, and Leeuwarden. These candidates share a common goal: securing recognition for their culture and expanding the number of available pitches.

Stagnant Pitch Creation and Growing Needs

Recent data reveals a slow pace of pitch creation. Between 2020 and 2022, only 49 new caravan pitches were added across the Netherlands. NOS News This contrasts with the increasing demand. Dominic Teodorescu, assistant professor of political and economic geography at the University of Amsterdam, notes that the general housing stock has increased at a faster rate than caravan pitches.

Sabina Achterbergh, chairwoman of the Sinti, Roma and Woonwagen residents Netherlands association, emphasizes the cultural importance of communal living. “Living together as a family is part of our culture,” she says. “Our greatest wish is to have enough space to express our culture.”

Historical Policies and Legal Challenges

Historically, many Dutch municipalities implemented “extinction policies,” where a caravan pitch would disappear upon the death of its resident. This practice was challenged and, in 2014, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that governments have an obligation to facilitate the culture and lifestyle of caravan residents. The Dutch Institute for Human Rights also condemned the discriminatory nature of these policies. NOS News

Whereas caravan culture was recognized as cultural heritage in 2014, Teodorescu points out that the government’s actions did not always reflect this recognition. Pressure from the national ombudsman, European organizations, and a new generation of politically engaged caravan residents led to a policy shift in 2018, though the promises of that shift have yet to be fully realized.

The Persistence of Challenges

Achterbergh describes the current situation as a “postponement policy” rather than a true end to extinction policies. She recounts stories of individuals waiting decades for a pitch, often only receiving one after the death of a family member. This leads to overcrowding, with multiple generations living in single caravans or sheds.

A Shift Towards Political Representation

Teodorescu observes a clear trend of caravan residents turning to politics as a means of advocating for their needs. Achterbergh actively encourages participation within the community, recognizing that gaining seats in municipal councils, even if infrequent, signifies a growing voice and renewed hope for change.

Maastricht’s Response

The municipality of Maastricht acknowledges the time required to create new pitches. Currently, function is underway to expand three existing locations, and land has been purchased for a new location. The proposal for this new location will be submitted to the municipal council in the coming months. De Nieuwe Westermaastricht