A new political party has entered Eindhoven’s political landscape. Eindhoven Voor Elkaar (EVE) was founded by city councillor Tjeerd Ritmeester and focuses on housing, social issues, and strengthening connections among residents, neighbourhoods, and the city. With municipal elections approaching, the party is positioning itself as a new, unique local voice in a city experiencing rapid growth and growing social challenges.
Ritmeester is not by himself. Several local residents, with diverse backgrounds, including international ones, have joined him in building the movement and contributing to the development of the party program. Among those involved are people with experience in community organisations and neighbourhood initiatives. The intention is to create a broader civic movement that represents different parts of the city.
That is very much needed. Eindhoven has welcomed thousands of new residents in recent years. Students, workers, families and international professionals all come to the city to build their future. That diversity is one of Eindhoven’s strengths. At the same time, it creates new challenges. Neighbourhoods change quickly, housing becomes scarce, and many residents feel that the city is moving faster than the sense of community can keep up with.
EVE believes the city government has a responsibility to actively support stronger neighbourhoods. That means investing in local initiatives, supporting community centres, and ensuring that residents have a real say in decisions that affect their surroundings. When people feel heard and involved, they are more likely to feel at home in the city.
For the party, neighbourhoods are the foundation of a healthy city. Whether someone has lived in Eindhoven for generations or has arrived only recently, everyone should be able to feel part of their street, district, and local community. EVE wants the municipality to work closely with residents, neighbourhood organisations and volunteers to strengthen that sense of connection.
Another important focus for the party is accessibility. As Eindhoven grows, public services must grow with it. Schools, healthcare facilities, sports clubs and cultural spaces all play an essential role in daily life. EVE argues that these services should remain accessible and affordable for everyone.
The same applies to mobility and public space. A growing city must remain livable. Parks, playgrounds and green areas are not luxuries but necessary parts of a healthy urban environment. EVE wants to ensure that new development projects always include sufficient public space where people can meet, relax, and enjoy the city.
One of the main issues for EVE is housing. According to the party, the city has fallen behind in ensuring that enough affordable homes are available. Rising rents and housing shortages have made it increasingly difficult for many residents, particularly young people and middle-income households, to find suitable housing. Also, for the new Eindhovenaren, this is a challenge. The party, therefore, places affordable housing at the centre of its political agenda.
EVE advocates for stronger municipal involvement in housing policy. The party wants the city government to take a more active role in guiding housing development and ensuring that a substantial share of new construction remains affordable, for example, by having the city build houses itself again. The aim is to prevent Eindhoven from becoming a city where only high earners and international professionals can easily find housing. For the party, economic growth should go hand in hand with social balance.
All this fits well into EVE´s narrative. Ritmeester has argued that local politics should be more responsive to residents and less dominated by national party dynamics. Many parties represented in the Eindhoven city council are local branches of national political organisations. EVE seeks to position itself differently by focusing exclusively on local concerns and by maintaining a more direct relationship with residents.
As the municipal elections approach, EVE will continue focusing on ensuring that the city’s economic growth benefits all residents. The party believes that local politics becomes stronger when different voices and experiences are represented. By bringing together people from different neighbourhoods, backgrounds and generations, EVE aims to add a perspective that puts social balance and community at the centre of Eindhoven’s future.
Eindhoven’s future should therefore be about people. About neighbourhoods where residents know each other, where young people can afford to stay, and where newcomers can truly become part of the city. A city where prosperity is shared and where everyone, regardless of where they come from, has the chance to build a stable and affordable life.
That is the Eindhoven that EVE wants to work for. An Eindhoven that grows together. An Eindhoven that works for everyone.
Eindhoven voor Elkaar (EVE)
