Room for Discussion

“The billionaires' nightmare”, “Rockstar Economist”, or “far-left activist”, Professor Gabriel Zucman goes by many names.With Elon Musk on his way to reaching trillionaire status, public debt accelerating, and far-right parties threatening democratic institutions, a consensus is emerging that economic inequality is reaching excessive levels. The most important question now becomes not why, but how we tax the rich.Zucman is one of the world's foremost experts on economic inequality, tax havens and wealth taxation. Having picked up the torch from his colleague Thomas Piketty, he is increasingly the face of a French and global movement for taxation of the tax-avoiding ultra-wealthy and multinational corporations.

We are living through a collision of overlapping crises: an increasing cost-of-living, climate change and a deepening state of political disillusionment. While these issues are often treated as isolated government failures, our next guest argues that they share a single, predatory origin: the Global Casino, commonly known as the international financial market.We were thrilled to welcome Ann Pettifor, the political economist who famously predicted the 2007/08 crash. Drawing on findings from her major works, The Case for a Green New Deal and The Global Casino, we will tell the story of the "top dogs" of finance and the "pretend-powerless" governments that gamble away at the Casino table.

Fifteen years on from the Eurozone crisis, with surging public debt, increasing climate risks, rising geopolitical tensions, and a constant need for monetary injections, the need for change in Europe has never been more obvious. But how do we get there? Is more or less integration the answer that we need?Can a monetary union survive without a fiscal one and if not, who is there to bear its cost?As the transatlantic relationship weakens and Europe navigates an increasingly multipolar world, economic questions collide with geopolitical realities. Is federalisation the price of relevance, or an unrealistic ambition in a union marked by divergent interests, asymmetric shocks, and rising euro-skepticism?To give some sense to these pressing questions, we are joined by one of the most prominent and uncompromising critics of European monetary and fiscal designs, Hans-Werner Sinn. Drawing on his role in the debates surrounding the eurozone crisis, and his opposition to key ECB policies, he will offer a candid assessment of what has changed, what has not, and what lies ahead.

Myanmar remains one of the world's most repressive states. Political prisoners fill its jails, civil freedoms are crushed, and the military junta presses ahead with sham elections while defending itself at the International Court of Justice. What responsibilities do foreign governments and businesses realistically pursue in such a context? Who is tasked with upholding international human rights standards, and what happens when those individuals themselves become targets?Join us for a compelling conversation with Vicky Bowman, former UK Ambassador to Myanmar and Director of the now closed Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business. Drawing on her experience as a diplomat, business adviser, and former political prisoner of the junta, Bowman offers rare, firsthand insight into the real cost of defending human rights under authoritarian rule.As Myanmar faces an uncertain future with no clear path to democracy or peace, this is a timely and urgent discussion on power, accountability, and the consequences of resistance.

Without formal recognition from the Netherlands, the Palestinian Mission is forced to rely on law, institutions, and words in a political landscape where others wield hard power. These constraints shape every aspect of how Palestine is represented internationally, even amidst what the UNHRC classifies as a genocide. Together with Ambassador Ammar Hijazi (Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to International Organizations in The Hague), we explore what it means to represent Palestine today. How can legal arguments compete with political and military power? What does negotiation look like under such conditions? Where does diplomacy reach its limits? And, what will the future of Palestine look like?This interview is organized in collaboration with the Arab Student Association Amsterdam.

What does it mean to grow up in a war?On the 20th October, from 13:00 to 14:00 in the E-Hall, Room for Discussion will host Kyrylo Lapko, Head of Reintegration and International Relations at the Coordination Center for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development in Ukraine.As the war continues, thousands of Ukrainian children have been separated from their families, displaced, or abducted by Russian forces. Kyrylo Lapko works on the front line of bringing these children home and helping them rebuild their lives.In this interview, we will discuss the realities of childhood in wartime Ukraine. How are children taken, and how can they be brought back? What does recovery look like after such trauma? And what gives hope for the future of a generation growing up amid conflict?Join us for an emotional conversation about the lived experiences of Ukrainian children!

As global tensions sharpen, the world is asking whether a new great power rivalry is emerging, with China at the center of attention. Understanding its direction has never been more urgent.Join us for a focused conversation tracing the forces behind China's rise: the legacy of the century of humiliation, Deng Xiaoping's bold reforms, shifting Party ideology, and Xi Jinping's consolidation of power. We will connect these turning points to the strategic choices China is making today.We also look ahead to China's long term ambitions, its search for alternatives to the Western led international order, and the pressures it faces from trade frictions to demographic change. Join us and discover the key trends and pressures driving China's future direction!

When the CDA and governments were falling apart, Marnix van Rij was called back to bring calm to the chaos. Most people told him not to do it. He did it anyway. Not because it was easy, but because as he says, “someone has to stay optimistic.”With the release of his new book ‘Reflections of a Political Optimist', Van Rij shares his visions on leadership, responsibility, and finances to stay hopeful. Even in his role as Member of the Executive Board at the IMF, his name remains relevant in the Netherlands. However, how many times can one man be called in to save a party – and a country – before optimism runs out?

Increased inequality, crumbling welfare services and skyrocketing rents. What has happened to the welfare state? And can it survive our decreasing taxpayer bases and ageing populations?Joining us on the Room for Discussion stage to discuss these questions, is one of the world's leading analysts of the welfare state, Professor Emeritus in Sociology of Pompeu Fabra and Bocconi University - Gøsta Esping-Andersen. His work focuses on the topic of welfare capitalism and his most known book “The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism” has helped shape the discipline as we know it today. Later in his career he relates his welfare studies to demographic issues such as the role of women and trends in fertility rates.Touching on topics such as wealth disparities, economic growth and “welfare-chauvinism”, this interview will help us understand dimensions of social inequality in the current political landscape. After a lifetime of studying these topics, where does he think we are headed? Don't miss this opportunity to ask your questions to one of the world's leading scholars on welfare systems!

Join us as we welcome Anahit Galtsyan, a Principal Scientist at BASF, to the Room for Discussion stage. Her work brings together the science of genomics with the realities of innovation in a global company, offering a unique perspective on how research develops in practice and how the people behind the science shape its direction.In this interview, we will explore the role of diversity in scientific progress and discuss the opportunities and obstacles facing researchers today. The conversation will touch on the broader dynamics of STEM and academia, from the ways institutions foster knowledge creation to the challenges that can stand in the way of inclusion and collaboration.

Is Europe saving wisely, or simply doing too little, too late?With defence costs rising, growth slowing, and the green transition underway, the debate on how Europe spends or saves has never been more urgent. Should the EU expand joint borrowing to meet global challenges, or double down on national discipline?We'll ask where prudence ends and under-investment begins, and how the Netherlands can remain competitive while holding firm to its frugal ideals.

Amsterdam turned 750 this year and stands at a crossroads. Prosperity has made it one of Europe's most vibrant capitals, but also one of its most strained. Housing, tourism, and social divides test the city's fabric, while national politics and budget cuts tighten the pressure from above.Join Mayor Femke Halsema in conversation with Room for Discussion as we explore how she navigates a city under pressure. How can Amsterdam remain free, diverse, and liveable in times of growing tension?

Premier van Nederland

With the elections in mind, this interview focuses on planning: priorities for affordable housing, European cooperation, and the SP's security policy. Will the SP succeed in governing for the first time?

Op 29 oktober gaat Nederland naar de stembus, zo ook de 30.000 stemgerechtigde UvA-studenten.Daarom ontvangen we op 9 oktober Ines Kostić, Tweede Kamerlid van de Partij voor de Dieren.️Met het oog op de verkiezingen gaan we langs onderwerpen zoals dierenwelzijn, wonen, defensie, moreel leiderschap en verantwoordelijkheid.️Zoals altijd bij Room for Discussion kunnen studenten tijdens het gesprek hun vragen rechtstreeks stellen; daar besteden we in deze serie extra aandacht aan.

Why did the centre of power shift across the world throughout human history, and why did it settle in the West after the 18th century? Did wars only serve to create a winner and a loser, or did they help spur the developments necessary for the safer, richer societies we enjoy today?Historian Ian Morris, author of  War! What is It Good for? And Why the West Rules–For Now, argues that geography and technology, not culture or genius, explain the shifting balance of power between East and West. Contrary to common notions of war as a destructive force, he demonstrates how violence has paradoxically built the large, stable states that made peace possible. In an age of shifting geopolitical realities, Morris' extensive analysis of our past poignantly demonstrates how history can help us grasp the present.

On the sidelines of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Room for Discussion will host an exclusive morning interview with former Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren.With war on Europe's doorstep, uncertainty in Washington, and rising ambitions for European defense, NATO stands at a crossroads. How will the Alliance respond to today's geopolitical shocks? What will Europe's role be in shaping tomorrow's security order? Can transatlantic unity hold in an era of shifting power?From behind closed doors to the frontlines of European policy, Kajsa Ollongren brings a unique perspective on the debates now shaping the future of NATO—and Europe itself.This event is part of the “NATO in the Huis”, a series of side events coordinated by the Clingendael Institute and Munich Security Conference on the sidelines of the NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague.

Join us for an exclusive interview with Alle Dorhout, the Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine and former Director of Intelligence at the AIVD. With valuable insights into the intersection of diplomacy and intelligence, Alle offers a firsthand perspective on navigating the complex political landscape during the war in Ukraine. In this conversation, we dive deep into the history of the conflict, explore how it is leveraged in diplomacy, and discuss how intelligence can shape more informed decisions. With the shifting geopolitical landscape and the U.S. distancing itself from former allies, we ask the critical questions that every diplomat faces today.

CSR Election Debate - University of AmsterdamFrom looming budget cuts in higher education to government directives on de-internationalisation, from defending the right to protest to safeguarding the mental well-being of students – this year, the university faces major decisions that will shape its future.In the midst of these challenges, the Central Student Council (CSR) plays a crucial role. As the highest student representative body at the UvA, the CSR has the power to influence university policy, push for change, and protect student interests.Join us for the CSR Election Debate: an open, critical conversation between student candidates on the issues that matter most. This is your chance to hear how they plan to represent you and to ask questions, so that you can make an informed vote in shaping the university's direction.

As cyberattacks grow in scale and sophistication, the lines between cybercrime, state-sponsored hacking, and digital warfare are becoming increasingly blurred. How can we protect individuals, and democratic institutions from the rising tide of cyber threats? Who should be held accountable for cyberattacks, and how can the international community step up its game?Join us for a conversation with Stéphan Duguin, CEO of the CyberPeace Institute, an organization dedicated to reducing the harm caused by cyber threats and promoting accountability in cyberspace. We will dive into why the issue of cybersecurity demands immediate action, what the geopolitical and human implications of cyberattacks are, and explore what needs to be done to secure a safer digital future for everyone.

When the newspapers are full of horrifying stories, international law sometimes feels impotent. Why is it still important? In what way is the term “genocide” political? Is our international system failing if world powers don't subscribe to it? And why would we need a fifth international crime of “Ecocide”? Philippe Sands is a specialist in international law, with over 40 years of experience in advocating for justice in front of the world's most significant courts, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Most importantly, Sands does not just practice international law; he tells its story. 

On the 9th of April, 13:00-14:00, in the E-Hall, Room for Discussion welcomed Steve Keen – outspoken critic of mainstream economics, author of “The New Economics: A Manifesto”, and one of today's most rebellious economic thinkers.Keen has made it his mission to dismantle the neoclassical foundations of the discipline. With climate collapse accelerating, inequality deepening, and debt-driven crises recurring, he claims our economic orthodoxy is not just wrong, but dangerous. From his emphasis on non-equilibrium dynamic modelling to jabs at Nobel laureates, such as William Nordhaus, Keen's ideas challenge not only the economics profession, but how we imagine the future of society. Expect controversy, polemics, and ultimately a discussion on how Steve Keen would model our world. Is this the future of economics, or a detour into chaos?

New York City was once just a small Dutch outpost called New Amsterdam. How did a modest trading colony become the global icon it is today? Join us for a deep dive with acclaimed historian Russell Shorto, who has spent decades uncovering the Dutch origins of America's financial and cultural capital.From Manhattan's first skyscrapers to Wall Street's earliest deals, we'll connect the dots between the city's 17th-century Dutch DNA and its modern identity. Is today's New York still carrying the legacy of its founding ideals, or has it evolved into something entirely different?

How can the UN uphold its humanitarian mission in an increasingly polarized world? Has it ever truly fulfilled its purpose of protecting human rights, and what role does diplomacy play as global tensions rise?Join us for a hybrid conversation with Jan Eliasson, former UN Deputy Secretary-General and President of the General Assembly, drawing on a lifetime of diplomacy and mediation.Eliasson will share insights on the key skills for successful mediation, the importance of bridging geopolitical divides, and how the international system must evolve to meet 21st-century challenges.

Martin Wolf is one of the most prominent voices in the world of politics and economics of our times. In an era of inequality, political polarisation, and global power shifts, he asks the uncomfortable questions: Has capitalism betrayed democracy? Is rising authoritarianism a failure of the market—or the system itself? And most importantly, can we turn the tide before it's too late?

Room for Discussion is proud to announce a new interview series.❗Disclaimer: Room for Discussion is a journalistic student-led interview platform which encourages open dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives. The opinions expressed by individual guests and audience members in our interviews are solely their own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of Room for Discussion.How does Israeli society relate to the current war? How is history narrated in the Middle East? Is communication between Israelis and Palestinians possible? How?Yossi Klein Halevi is an Israeli-American writer and journalist. He wrote award-winning books, including “Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor”, a book aiming to initiate dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Join us for a powerful discussion with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition and a global symbol of the fight for democracy.We'll delve into her journey from presidential candidate to exile, the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism in Belarus, and the challenges of rallying international support for democratic change. Gain unique insights into the resilience of the Belarusian people and the path forward for freedom and human rights in the region.

Ever wondered how €186 billion in EU spending is scrutinized to ensure every euro counts? On 14th January, from 13:00 to 14:00, at the REC E-Hall, we'll dive into the world of the European Court of Auditors (ECA) with its President, Tony Murphy. As the leader of the EU's financial watchdog, Murphy ensures that the Union's finances are transparent, efficient, and accountable—essential for addressing the generational challenges Europe faces today.  From ensuring Europe's preparedness for cyberattacks and natural disasters to scrutinizing ambitious climate initiatives, Murphy's work goes beyond mere numbers. He'll share how the ECA tackles some of the EU's biggest questions: are the ambitious 2030 climate goals achievable, or are they lofty aspirations? Can Europe maintain its competitive edge in a global economy dominated by the US and China? And how does the ECA ensure every euro spent reflects the Union's values?  This is your opportunity to see beyond the spreadsheets and gain insight into how audits shape Europe's future.

The way events unfolded on our platform today once again is deeply unfortunate. While we believe that protest is an integral part of a democratic society, we are dissapointed that the way it was carried out today hindered a free exchange of ideas. We are a platform run by students, for students which always strives to create a democratic environment, in which different perspectives and criticisms are valuable additions. We remain committed to our mission to contribute to societal conversations and foster the open dialogue we so strongly believe in.Join us in a wide-ranging conversation with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, to understand why migration and energy can be framed as security priorities and how defence policy can be strengthened through European industrial integration. We'll wrestle with questions like the tensions between pragmatism and principles to how a future with a more transactional transatlantic relationship might influence potential negotiations to the end of the war in Ukraine as well as the broader European security landscape.

Room for Discussion is honoured to welcome Karel Hendriks. He has worked with Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) for over a decade and is now the Deputy General of the organisation and the Director of the Dutch branch, providing immediate life-saving care for people in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics.What is the meaning of assistance provided by medical humanitarian organisations? What are the main challenges faced by aid workers today? How do they remain neutral in conflict zones? What is the responsibility of doctors on and beyond the frontlines? How can aid help sustain local healthcare systems?For answers to these questions and more, make sure to check out our new interview.

Is wealth inequality the defining economic issue of our time? How has quantitative easing deepened the divide between the rich and the poor? What can be done to fix a broken economic system?Gary Stevenson, former Citibank trader turned economic activist, predicted the widening inequality post-2008 crisis and has been a vocal advocate for economic reform ever since. With his unique insights from inside the financial world, Gary will discuss how current economic policies are fueling inequality, the consequences of a rising housing market, and what we can do to bring about a more equitable future.

How to make finance a force for sustainability? Are there enough incentives in our system to balance short-term profits and the protection of the environment? And what is the role of PwC and Rabo Carbon Bank in shaping the discussion on sustainable growth?Our guest has been at the center of discussions about green finance for her entire career. From academia through commercial and central banking to consulting, Barbara Baarsma has been looking for an answer to how to shape the future of our system for the benefit of our environment. Whether you're interested in finance, climate action, or just looking for inspiration from someone breaking boundaries, this is your chance to hear first-hand insights. Get ready for a conversation that's not just about money but about what really matters.

Room for Discussion is honoured to welcome Guy Standing, a British Labour economist, co-founder of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) and professor of Development Studies at the University of London. It will be a conversation offering insights into the changing dynamics of work, inequality, and social justice in today's world.Is neoliberalism fundamentally shortsighted? What is the ‘precariat' class and how does it gain significance in today's political landscape? How can we create a fairer and more inclusive economy? Is Universal Basic Income the answer to poverty and automation?In order to get answers to all of these questions, make sure to check out our new interview.

What role does morality play in communication? How are moral messages cognitively processed, how are they represented in the neural realm, and in what way do they motivate behavior? For our first episode of 'The Ivory Tower', we will be speaking to Dr. Frederic Hopp. Frederic is Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam's School of Communication Research.During this episode we discuss an article that was recently published in the journal Nature Human Behavior. We break down its method and theoretical foundation, explore avenues for future research, and Frederic tells us a bit about his formation as an academic. The link to the paper: 'Moral foundations elicit shared and dissociable cortical activation modulated by political ideology'. More about Frederic: https://fhopp.github.ioMore about us: Our Website Our Instagram Our Twitter Our Linkedin 

What do the Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, and Johan Cruijff have in common? All have them have been interviewed by Twan Huys, the most prominent interviewer and journalist in the Netherlands. He has seen the political and social environment change tremendously over the last decades and has talked to some of the most prominent makers and shakers of our current world to make sense of it. Room for Discussion is thrilled to welcome Twan Huys, host of College Tour and Buitenhof. He has interviewed countless of famous guest, held Dutch politicians accountable and shaped the public debate in The Netherlands like no one else. Now he is here to share his perspective on how the public climate has changed and where we go from here. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

In 1969 the Dutch security services opened a file on a 17 year old boy. His name was Derk Sauer. Later he founded his own publishing firm with Crown Jewel the Moscow Times, and to this day one of the few independent russian media outlets. The question now is: How will independent Russian media survive?

Geert Wilders' PVV recent election win is the latest addition to a trend of far-right populists winning big elections. Spanning from Argentina with Javier Melei to Italy with Giorgia Meloni, the Far Right seems to be on rise.There is no one better to talk about these events than Cas Mudde, the preeminent scholar on populism and the Far Right.

Room for Discussion is excited to announce our interview with political jack-of-all-trades, Dutch top diplomat Tom de Bruijn.Having worked as a diplomat, ambassador, government official, minister, and mayor for decades – his extensive experience in navigating politics at a variety of levels from guiding the formation of EU treaties to negotiating the formation of municipal councils informs his broad view on the inner workings of government and diplomacy. Throughout, he has gained a unique view on the role of the Netherlands within the European Union and the broader Euro-Atlantic community, with his career taking him from the Hague to Brussels and Geneva.Looking back, what does he expect the future of the European Union to look like? How does the Netherlands fit into this with the recent victory of eurosceptic Geert Wilders? How much has changed for the Dutch appetite for increased EU accession since de Bruijn was involved in drafting the 2014 association agreement with Ukraine?If you're interested to discover the answer to these questions and more check out our interview!

What does BMW and the Nazi regime have in common? In what ways is the generational wealth of former Nazi supporters connected to contemporary German politics? How have Nazi Billionaires escaped accountability? Investigative Journalist David de Jong spent four years researching the history of Germany's wealthiest families. In his book ‘Nazi Billionaires', he explores 5 families, their hidden hand in Germany's dark past, and their continued presence in contemporary politics.

What do you think of global governance's failure to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement? What do you think of the court decision that ordered Shell to reduce all emissions by 45% by 2030? And if we live in a world where the Dutch government spends €37.5 billion on fossil subsidies on a yearly basis, does this mean that we need more Climate Activism? And if so, in which way?On October 11th (13:00-14:00) Room for Discussion will interview Donald Pols, the director of Milieudefensie. Notorious for their court case against Shell, their research on fossil subsidies and their efforts to “hijack” the shareholder meetings of large multinationals, Milieudefensie has been leading the forefront of climate activism. Join this conversation in which we discuss a roadmap for Climate action and activism.

Beyond the Negotiating Table: An expert's View on Diplomacy.Kees van Rij is one of the Netherland's most trusted diplomats, having held ambassadorships in Greece, Turkey, Spain and Brazil. From negotiating with dictators like Vladimir Putin, Muammar Gaddafi or Kim Jong-un to helping craft EU policy, Kees van Rij has been trusted with many of the major diplomatic issues over the past decades.He will share with us his many experiences and try to answer all our questions concerning diplomacy.

Eurojust, is a prominent legal agency at the forefront of the fight against transnational crime in Europe. From combating organised crime to terrorism, Eurojust is involved in resolving a wide range of cross-border conflicts.To discuss the intricacies of Eurojust's operations and the significant role it plays in ensuring cross-border justice, we will be joined by Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust. What strategies does Eurojust employ? How is cooperation between member states achieved? How is law and justice changing in our evolving society?

Currently, Tata Steel NL is the biggest emitter of CO2 and nitrogen in the Netherlands, and links have been made between their factory's emissions and higher-than-average cancer rates in communities that live close to their factories. As a response, the company is planning to detox their emissions and pivot to Green Steel production, which they will power with green hydrogen. Still, the future of the company in the Netherlands remains far from certain, and they are facing backlash from many directions in Dutch society.

Climate change is one of the most defining challenges of our time, but what's really the best way to tackle the issue and create a more sustainable future for all?Bjørn Lomborg's has an answer: an alternative that challenges the mainstream narrative on climate change, which has earned him both praise and criticism. He tries to address the critical trade-offs between climate, sustainability, and welfare that we will need to make in the 21st century. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with an influential voice in this important discussion about what the future of our fight against climate change should be!Bjørn Lomborg will join for an interview at Room for Discussion on May 10th, 13-14h in the E-Hall

Tom Middendorp werd uitgezonden naar Somalië en verwachtte daar te moeten strijden tegen nietsontziende piraten. Het bleken wanhopige vissers die door klimaatverandering steeds minder inkomsten hebben. In Afghanistan zag hij met eigen ogen hoe de taliban waterschaarste inzette als machtsmiddel. Daarom besloot hij na zijn aftreden als commandant der strijdkrachten zich te verdiepen in het klimaatprobleem en de veiligheidsrisico's die deze met zich meebrengt. Inmiddels ziet hij de smeltende ijskappen van de Noordpool als het volgende potentiële oorlogsgebied.

Julian Assange. Salman Rushdie. Mike Tyson. Lula da Silva. The Wall Street Journal. The New York Times.What do all these have in common? They were defended by Geoffrey Robertson KC.He helped prosecute warlords and dictators like General Pinochet, was the President of the War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone, and fought for human rights everywhere from Armenia to Yugoslavia, Colombia to Czechoslovakia, South Africa to South London.He founded one of the world's leading human rights law chambers working with the likes of Kier Starmer and Amal Clooney.

From bitter football rivalries to beer preferences, the Dutch and Germans have a long and complicated history. As a Dutchman living and working in Germany, Ambassador Ronald van Roeden knows firsthand about the stereotypes and cliches that surround these two countries. In our interview, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing these two countries in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Ingrid Thijssen is the chair of the Dutch Employers lobby, VNO NCW. She has been called the ‘most powerful lobbyist' in the Netherlands. On behalf of the Dutch Businesses, she has been warning about the business climate of Holland. According to her, this is deteriorating to a point at which many companies are contemplating leaving the Netherlands. Ms. Thijssens career started in NS public transport, where she climbed the corporate ladder to CEO. After 21 years, she moved on to and became CEO of Alliander. She was the Top businesswoman of the year in 2016.

Ernst Kuipers became a household name during the pandemic: a wise former doctor who helped guide the medical response to COVID-19. Now, he's no longer just a medical expert: he's a D66 politician.