Paula Bouwer (64) from Amersfoort wants to enter the European Parliament: 'Thousands of people are going to vote for us'

InterviewOn June 6, you can vote for the European Parliament and someone from Amersfoort is also on the electoral list. Paula Bouwer (64) on the list of More Direct Democracy. Who is she and why is she committed to Europe?

Wichard Maassen, Anouk van Veldhuizen 01-06-24, 15:00

Paula Bouwer (64) from Amersfoort is one of the five candidates on the More Direct Democracy list. This new party, which presents itself as a platform, wants to bring politics closer to voters. They can contact their representatives directly via e-mail, online meetings and office hours. A party program is missing.

Former hospitality entrepreneur Bouwer - number 4 on the list, which also includes another Amersfoort lawyer Hester Bais - would like to “get stuck in the abuse of power of governments” if she were elected. “The selection process when awarding benefits should involve people and not discriminatory algorithms.”

De Amersfoortse is one of the victims of the benefits affair. Thousands of parents were wrongly classified as fraudsters by the tax authorities, as a result of which they had to repay up to tens of thousands of euros in childcare allowance. Bouwer founded the Foundation for the Recovery of Unprecedented Injustice, which acts as an advocate for victims. “I myself was not only duped privately, but also in business.”

Chances are nil

Bouwer was asked by founder and party leader Dorien Rookmaker to apply. This Member of Parliament was elected on behalf of Forum for Democracy in the previous European elections, but left that party in the meantime. She is a member of the Group of European Conservatives and Reformists.

Given the distribution of seats, there is zero chance that More Direct Democracy will soon be represented in the European Parliament. Nevertheless, Bouwer firmly believes in it. “Thousands have already announced their intention to vote for us via social media.”

Curious about the other candidates from the province of Utrecht? Then read this article.