Proposition 1: A secondary school should be built in Diemen.
Independent Diemen: neutral
Independent Diemen is neutral. If there is a need for a secondary school in Diemen, we are willing to cooperate, but surrounding municipalities already have sufficient schools that are easily accessible.

Proposition 2: The speed limit should be reduced to 30 km/h throughout Diemen.
Independent Diemen: strongly disagree.
Independent Diemen is opposed to a general 30 km/h limit. Not every road has the same function; on access roads and public transport routes, 50 km/h is necessary for accessibility, traffic flow, and emergency services. We opt for a customized approach for each road rather than a single uniform standard.

Proposition 3: The municipality should make the City Pass available again to all pensioners, regardless of their financial situation
Diemen: completely agree
The City Pass encourages participation in sports, culture, and recreation and prevents loneliness. It is a minimum provision within social policy, aimed at social participation for residents with limited means. Previously, all people entitled to a state pension could apply for the City Pass; now this is limited to pensioners with an income of up to 130% of the social minimum. This unnecessarily excludes people. We believe that the City Pass should once again be available to all pensioners, regardless of income, so that social participation remains possible for everyone.

Proposition 4: For important decisions, the municipality must organize a residents’ consultation, in which a group of randomly selected residents can contribute their ideas.
Independent Diemen: strongly agree
Independent Diemen strongly agrees. We want residents to actively contribute their ideas to important decisions, not just after the fact. Many residents have expertise and valuable insights into issues that affect the entire municipality.

Proposition 5: At least 40% of new-build homes must be social housing.
Independent Diemen: neutral.
The government is aiming for approximately 30% social housing in new-builds at the regional level, but no national obligation of 40%. Onafhankelijk Diemen is neutral on a mandatory minimum of 40% social housing in new construction, but first wants to take regional necessity, feasibility, and effects on affordable mid-range rentals into account in the standards.

Proposition 6: To prevent flooding, the municipality may give a subsidy to residents who remove tiles from their gardens.
Onafhankelijk Diemen: neutral
Onafhankelijk Diemen is neutral on this statement. More greenery in gardens helps to absorb extreme rainfall, and we support this, for example, as we did previously with the tile removal scheme, where residents could choose a tree. A subsidy can encourage residents, but the reuse of materials and other practical measures are just as important.

Proposition 7: In the event of a budget deficit, it is better for the municipality to cut spending than to increase local taxes.
Independent Diemen: strongly agree
Independent Diemen strongly agrees. In the event of a budget deficit, the municipality should first take a critical look at its spending and priorities, rather than increasing local taxes. Smart and efficient management of municipal finances is paramount.

Proposition 8: There must be more space for cyclists, even if this means less space for car traffic.
Onafhankelijk Diemen: neutral.
Onafhankelijk Diemen is neutral on this proposition. We encourage cycling and sustainable mobility, for example by promoting e-bikes and behavioral change. At the same time, we believe that this should not automatically be at the expense of space for cars, public transport, and emergency services. Customization and smart choices are more effective than a one-sided redistribution of space.

Proposition 9: In order to make better use of space, owners of buildings (residential and office buildings) that have been vacant for a long time should be fined.
Independent Diemen: neutral
Onafhankelijk Diemen is neutral on the issue of fining long-term vacancy. Vacancy is a social problem, but is often caused by slow permitting processes and a shortage of skilled workers. A fine should not be the first resort. It is better to first engage in dialogue with owners to explore causes and solutions. Vacant properties can also be used for temporary social purposes, for example.

Proposition 10: Wind turbines should be allowed in Diemen.
Independent Diemen: Strongly disagree.
We are opposed to wind turbines within the residential area of Diemen. Locations in Diemen and surrounding municipalities have already been designated for the energy transition. Other sustainable energy sources, such as solar energy, geothermal energy, and residual heat from data centers, together offer a better mix for our municipality.

Proposition 11: Sports fields should be built in the Weilanddriehoek
Independent Diemen: completely agree
Independent Diemen completely agrees. The Weilanddriehoek near the Diemenbos is a suitable location for sports fields, on the edge of the municipality and with sufficient space for athletes.

Proposition 12: To stimulate local business activity, the precario tax (e.g., for terraces or signs) for entrepreneurs should be reduced.
Independent Diemen: completely agree
Onafhankelijk Diemen totally agrees. To stimulate local business activity, the municipality must not only reduce the precario tax but also promote a healthy business climate, for example by issuing permits and start-up subsidies more quickly. Reducing the precario tax supports entrepreneurs and contributes to a vibrant Diemen, provided that the use of public space remains safe and responsible.

Proposition 13: When redesigning neighborhoods, more green space should be created, even if this means removing parking spaces.
Onafhankelijk Diemen: completely disagrees
Onafhankelijk Diemen is against removing parking spaces when redesigning neighborhoods. Greenery is important, but accessibility and parking space for residents, the elderly, informal caregivers, and entrepreneurs must also be taken into account. We opt for balance and customization, not for the unilateral sacrifice of parking spaces. Greenery can also be placed between the parking spaces.

Proposition 14: Building mid-priced rental homes is a higher priority than building social housing
Independent Diemen: agree
We agree because too few mid-priced homes have been built in the past. Independent Diemen believes that residents of Diemen should be given priority for these homes, so that people can move up the housing ladder.

Statement 15: The Spoordriehoek may be used for solar fields (solar panels)
Independent Diemen: completely disagree.
Independent Diemen completely disagrees with this. The Spoordriehoek is too valuable for solar fields and should be used for housing construction. An underpass would provide good access to the area. We would prefer to install solar panels along the highways around Diemen, where they do not take up scarce building space.

Proposition 16: More community centers for young people are needed, even if this means raising local taxes
Independent Diemen: disagrees
Independent Diemen disagrees. Young people should be able to meet each other, but existing community centers and sports fields already offer suitable places. These should offer more activities for young people. The municipality can facilitate this, but we believe that this should not be at the expense of higher local taxes.

Proposition 17: There should be no cuts to poverty reduction, even if this means that local taxes have to be increased.
Independent Diemen: neutral
Poverty reduction is important and more money should be allocated to it, but higher local taxes are not always necessary; the municipality has substantial reserves. Temporary measures have already expired and policy has been reassessed, but poverty must not be allowed to increase again. Working people in particular are experiencing increasing financial pressure, despite recent declines. The municipality must focus on a structural approach. With the new poverty meter, Diemen will gain better insight into who is truly living in poverty, including necessary expenses and financial buffers. This will allow aid to be better targeted at those who need it most, while limiting the financial pressure on other expenses.

Proposition 18: There should be more camera surveillance in Diemen, even if this is at the expense of privacy.
Independent Diemen: completely agree.
Independent Diemen agrees that more camera surveillance is needed in Diemen to increase safety. Public spaces must feel safe for residents, and camera surveillance can help prevent and solve crime and nuisance. Privacy remains important, but we believe that safety in vulnerable and high-risk areas should take precedence, provided that camera surveillance is used carefully, proportionately, and transparently.

Proposition 19: Homes should be built on the Griend
Independent Diemen: strongly disagree
Independent Diemen is opposed to housing development on the Griend and to further development of fully developed neighborhoods. De Griend is not a residual plot, but a valuable green structure with playing fields, water features, and trees that are important for the quality of life. This greenery contributes to biodiversity, reduces heat stress, improves air quality, and helps with water storage. This is indispensable, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods. Housing construction should not be at the expense of important green buffers. There are alternative locations for housing construction in Diemen. In addition, we take residents’ concerns about quality of life and pressure on facilities seriously, particularly in light of the arrival of an asylum seekers’ center.

Proposition 20: With rising healthcare costs, the municipality should be less quick to reimburse healthcare and place more emphasis on residents’ personal responsibility.
Independent Diemen: agree
We believe that residents should be encouraged to find solutions themselves and to call on their network. This helps to keep municipal healthcare costs manageable and promotes self-reliance. At the same time, we recognize the efforts of informal caregivers; they should not be overburdened. Personal responsibility means that one’s own strengths and network are considered first, before the municipality steps in.

Proposition 21: Diemen may take in more asylum seekers than the national target
Independent Diemen: strongly disagree
We believe that Diemen should adhere to the national target for asylum seekers, but should not exceed it. As a small, densely populated municipality with limited space, we already face challenges in housing, care, and quality of life. Additional reception puts too much pressure on facilities and neighborhoods. Humane reception is important, but it requires realistic choices and support. That is why it is not responsible to accept more asylum seekers than Diemen is required to do according to the national distribution.

Proposition 22: Building owner-occupied homes has higher priority than building social housing.
Independent Diemen: neutral
Building owner-occupied homes can improve mobility in the housing market and help the middle class find housing, because middle-income earners (e.g., rent around €1,400) can often afford a mortgage but cannot find enough affordable owner-occupied homes. Onafhankelijk Diemen agrees with this, but believes that enough social housing must also be built to shorten the waiting lists.

Proposition 23: The municipality should spend more money on art and culture
Independent Diemen: agrees
Independent Diemen has mixed feelings about this statement. Art and culture are important, and subsidies are available in Diemen. We believe that the municipality could spend more money on top of the current budget. Figures from the national contributions for art and culture show that different amounts per inhabitant per province can be calculated. In Drenthe, this is a meager €3.03, in Zeeland a paltry €4.58, and Brabant gets a measly €7.99. North Holland, however, is the big winner, rubbing its hands with glee at €86.02 per resident. Amsterdam takes a big bite out of this trough. A lot of money goes to their museums and culture.
Diemen should receive at least €3 million per year from the government, and we can then use that money. First, we need to approach the province and claim our share!

Proposition 24: A bicycle bridge must be built between Diemen-Zuid and De Sniep, even if it costs the municipality a lot of money.
Independent Diemen: Strongly disagree
Independent Diemen is against an expensive bicycle bridge between Diemen-Zuid and De Sniep. The costs are disproportionate to the use, while that money is desperately needed for other priorities such as safety, care, and maintenance. We opt for affordable solutions and sensible use of public funds.

Disappeared statement, but VERY IMPORTANT for Independent Diemen
Proposition: Residents of the municipality of Diemen should be given priority for social housing
Independent Diemen: completely agree
The municipality may allocate 50% with priority. Then do so, Diemen