With internationals making up 40% of Eindhoven’s population, an election debate in English is a sheer necessity. News Brainport is hosting an English-language election debate at the Eindhoven City Hall this evening. Representatives from eight political parties will present their visions for the city’s future, offering international residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates before they head to the polls.
Participating parties
With important choices ahead, this is your opportunity to hear directly from candidates, compare perspectives, and help shape Eindhoven’s future. The participating parties include GL-PvdA, PvdD, EVE, VVD, D66, CDA, Volt, and the SP. The panel features several prominent local figures, including sitting councillors and candidates from the top of their respective party lists.
Debate panellists
Among the debaters are Eva de Bruijn (GL-PvdA) and Tjeerd Ritmeester, the founder of the new city party EVE. Jonas Roothens and list leader Virginia Jonkers from PvdD, list leaders Jacco Rubenkamp and Danielle Stijntjes from Volt and VVD, respectively, will actively put forth their ideas. Miriam Frosi and Koen Jakobs from CDA, and list leader Chris Dams and Alina Totti from D66, will try to impress the audience, while Alex Paaw from SP will put up a stiff upper lip to opposing ideas. Most debate panellists are experienced councillors and faction leaders.
Moderator
Beena Arunraj, the editor-in-chief of News Brainport, will moderate the session. This is her third time leading such a forum, following Eindhoven’s first English election debate in 2022 and a national debate in 2023. The evening will cover critical local issues, including housing, integration, safety, sustainability, mobility and Eindhoven’s growth as a cosmopolitan city.
Programme:
- 18:00 – Doors open, networking with coffee and snacks
- 18:30 – Start of the debate
- 20:30 – End of debate
Expect a lively, respectful exchange of ideas, moderated discussion, and opportunities for audience participation. Whether you’re still deciding who to vote for or want to stay informed, this debate offers valuable insights into the visions shaping our shared future. It’s an opportunity to question those who will be deciding what matters to the city over the next four years. You can register here for the last few seats. This election debate is supported by Gemeente Eindhoven and Eindhoven Airport.
Be informed, be engaged, be empowered.
NEWS BRAINPORT
