NEDERLAND O NEDERLAND

At the beginning of 2017, figures in the Netherlands showed a positive trend: Economy and employment were on the rise, healthcare ranked No. 1 in all of Europe, and crime rates were falling.

Yet people on social media and in television programs were constantly discussing how badly the country was doing.

This contradiction served as motivation to drive 3200 kilometers in my car to every nook and cranny of the Netherlands. In search of kitchen tables and cafes, a strong cup of coffee and a good conversation about life in our country anno 2017.

I had 3 questions in my bag: What do you need from society to feel good? What do you contribute? And...what would you change if you were the boss of the Netherlands?

I compiled the answers into a letter with tips and suggestions for the government, as well as a letter to ourselves, the citizens of this country.

This project was published on Volkskrant Magazine (NL), Nooit meer Slapen Radio (NL) and Tijd voor Max (NL).