Three students from TU Eindhoven, Fontys, and Summa recently organised a dedicated student debate at the Bunkr in Eindhoven ahead of the local council elections. With 20,000 eligible student voters in the city, the event focused on specific priorities, including housing, safety, and student facilities. Almost all parties currently represented in the city council attended.
The evening, led by moderator Perry Vermeulen, required politicians to respond to various statements by holding up “agree” or “disagree” signs. Key topics included the availability of sports and culture, replacing parking spaces with better public transport, and the controversial “30-metre rule” for student housing.
This housing regulation prevents homeowners from converting a property into a shared student house if it sits within 30 metres of another converted building. Opinions on the rule were divided. The SP and VVD argued that scrapping the restriction would allow “slum landlords” to exploit the system and make enforcement harder. In contrast, D66 viewed the measure as a major obstacle to the creation of much-needed student accommodation.
A question from an international student regarding affordable housing sparked further friction. Remco van Dooren (CDA) used his party’s slogan, “stop moaning and start building,” to criticise the lack of action. However, Nicolas Knoester (FvD) argued that the focus should remain on Dutch students, claiming that international recruitment displaces locals. Chris Dams (D66) rejected this, calling the sentiment “ridiculous” and blaming the 30-metre rule, rather than international students, for the housing shortage.
Regarding public safety, students raised concerns about street security. Esmée Scharpach (SP) called for more neighbourhood police officers and community wardens (buitengewoon opsporingsambtenaar) boa’s. She also supported better lighting in areas like Strijp-S and highlighted the need to protect the queer community. Hilko Werkman (VVD) agreed that safety is a core government task, advocating for increased CCTV coverage alongside more wardens.
The final portion of the debate addressed the visibility of vocational (mbo) students. Sep Wittenbols (GroenLinks-PvdA) argued for equal access to city facilities, while Tjeerd Ritmeester (Eindhoven voor Elkaar) stressed the importance of fair pay for internships. Burhan Aydin (Denk), a vocational teacher himself, urged the municipality to take the lead in ensuring that vocational students receive the same appreciation and compensation as university students.
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