Wordlog week 20 - 2014 - Hoofdinhoud

In this Worldlog, we will have a look at my campaign week for the European elections on the 22nd of May.

As I already indicated in my previous Wordlog, no less than seven parties for the animals will participate in the European elections this May. Together we can make a stand against animal, nature and environment unfriendly Europe! For the first time there will be politicians in the European Parliament who will not prioritise the interests of their own species.

That is very important because, after all, it is Europe that decides on issues that have a great effect on animals and their living environment. Including agriculture and fishery subsidies and legislation on animal testing.

On Friday the 9th of May, a strategy meeting was held in Amsterdam for all parties for the animals participating in the elections. During this meeting we elaborated on the election programmes and our strategies for further cooperation. Also, a short film was made to present the joint vision of the parties for the animals.

Our leading candidate Anja Hazekamp said the following during the meeting: ‘It is always highly inspiring to consult with colleagues of sister parties. After all, people in other countries are also working hard on giving animals, nature and the environment a voice in politics. It’s great to experience that we are part of a growing international movement!’

Yesterday, we started our national campaign tour in a converted cattle truck. The cattle truck went through a complete metamorphosis to make obvious to voters that animal transports of more than two hours are simply unacceptable. Following the example of the artist Banksy, the party dressed up the cattle truck with plush pigs, cows, sheep, chickens and horses. The animals are hanging out of the cattle truck while their cries for help can clearly be heard.

In the cattle truck, pictures of real animals transports are shown to make people aware of the distress we cause animals because slaughtering them elsewhere is just a few pence cheaper or because we transport pigs from the Netherlands to Italy to slaughter them in Italy because we want to eat Parma ham.

Good article in The economist: Trade is the weakest link in the fight against dirty money

On Tuesday I was in the studio to record radio and tv spots and on Wednesday evening I was on the Dutch television programme “1 on 1” with Sven Kockelmann to talk about our participation in the European elections. Last week, the Algemeen Dagblad, one of the Dutch national newspapers, paid attention to Paul McCartney’s support letter to our party.

Meanwhile, our Dutch candidates at the bottom of the list are highly active on social media to spread our message as much as possible.

My voting recommendation for the 22nd of May: ‘Vote the change you want to see’

Greetings, Marianne