Discover the parties

Who are you? 

“My name is Jesse Looijenga, I am 23 years old and I live in Burgum. In my daily life, I work as a project manager at Omrin. I am someone who likes to be at the heart of the community and who believes it is important to make honest and sensible choices, always with the interests of our municipality in mind.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

The separation of Tytsjerksteradiel and Achtkarspelen was one of the most important topics of this council term, as it had major consequences for our municipality. The joint organization increasingly led to complexity and reduced control by the council. This called for a decision that was not easy. As a council member, I carefully considered all sides of the story, but above all I looked at what was best for Tytsjerksteradiel."

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“For me, the next four years will be about closing the gap between politics and the people. We live in a country where politics is becoming more and more distant from the people every day. I want to change this and will work towards this goal by being approachable and accessible to all residents in our beautiful municipality. Not as a politician, but as a normal resident who wants the best for our municipality, just like everyone else.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

“That I can really make a difference locally. In national politics, processes often take forever, but in the city council, you can actually make a difference in people's lives. That motivates me every day.”

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“That's home for me. Tytsjerksteradiel has beautiful landscapes and water, but home is where you find peace and appreciate the little things.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• Reintroduce the starter loan as soon as possible.
• “Preserving our traditions and culture, such as carbide shooting and village festivals.”
• “Preserving sports clubs and elementary schools in our villages.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

People should vote for Better Foar Tytsjerksteradiel (BFTD) because we are the only local party that truly looks out for the municipality. Tytsjerksteradiel has many parties, but none that represent only Tytsjerksteradiel—we do. That is why voting for BFTD is the best thing you can do for Tytsjerksteradiel. 

More information about the party: www.bftd.nl.

Who are you? 

“My name is Douwe Hooijenga, I am 38 years old, an entrepreneur in healthcare innovation, and I live in Hurdegaryp. My work revolves around innovation and connection, and that is also reflected in how I want to do politics: engaged, concrete, and focused on the long term.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

Housing was the most important issue for me. In almost every village, you saw the same thing: first-time buyers couldn't find a home, young families were moving away, and older people who did want to move couldn't find a suitable place. This directly affects quality of life. In the council, I focused strongly on three points: real affordability (i.e., concrete per plan), stimulating mobility, and setting the pace, with clear action points and communication to residents."

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“Quality of life across the board. I want strong villages with facilities that remain intact, a community where people know where to find each other, and a municipality that provides support where necessary. That is why I do not want to automatically resort to cost-cutting measures, but rather invest in prevention, social foundations, and mutual support, which I believe is both sensible and forward-looking.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

“I believe that politics is about how we treat each other. For me, politics is not a competition to prove who is right. I want to make choices that are fair, feasible, and explainable—even if they are not always popular. For me, it's about taking responsibility for now and for the future.”

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“That is the Ryptsjerksterpolder. There, you can see space, tranquility, and nature come together. In winter, when people are skating, you can see how special that place really is.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• “Accelerating the development of affordable housing.”
• “Investing in livelihood security and a strong social foundation.”
• “A safe, green living environment with down-to-earth sustainability.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

“Because we stand for a community with visible results: clear, understandable, and close to residents.” 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Douwe Hooijenga
2. Elena van Marrum
3. Menno de Haan
4. Bareld Kootstra

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: https://tytsjerksteradiel.christenunie.nl.

Who are you? 

“My name is Jan Willem Sietsma, I am 48 years old, live in Eastermar, and work as Director of Consulting Services at CGI. I am someone who likes to connect people and ideas, and I strongly believe in the power of our villages.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

“For me, that was Bloeizone Tytsjerksteradiel. I was involved from the start in my role at Enerzjyk Eastermar. It's about vitality, health, and connectedness in our villages. We organized flowering weeks in several villages, where people meet each other and take steps toward a healthier life. I have worked to ensure that this philosophy is firmly anchored in municipal policy."

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“The housing shortage, especially among young people. Too many young people do not have the opportunity to continue living in their own village. Older people are also often stuck because there is no suitable housing available. I want to build in every village, in line with the scale and focused on first-time buyers, older people, and innovative forms of housing such as courtyards or temporary homes.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

“What drives me is working together to build a community where people feel at home, can participate, and have prospects. Politics that is close to the people, with an eye for the human dimension, and that inspires confidence rather than taking over everything. That suits me and the CDA. There is so much energy and creativity in our villages. As a politician, you can give space, connect people, and help turn plans into reality.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• “Living with perspective, in every village.”
• “Thriving villages and a strong community.”
• “An eco-society: sustainability, circular economy, and local ownership.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

“A politics that is close to the people, with an eye for the human dimension, and that inspires confidence rather than taking over everything. That suits me and the CDA. 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Jan Willem Sietsma
2. Mariska Wieringa
3. Maurits Oussoren
4. Douwe David van der Boon
5. Gert van der Meijden
6. Durk Tuinenga
7. Roland de Graaf
8. Frans Haenen
9. Remco Roorda
10. Rob Broerse

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: https://www.cda.nl/friesland/tytsjerksteradiel/.

Who are you? 

“My name is Berber van Zandbergen, I am 46 years old, I live in Munein, and I work as an alderman. I love our municipality and am committed to keeping Tytsjerksteradiel future-proof and livable.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

“Housing was the key issue for me. I have worked hard to ensure more affordable housing for small households and homes that are ready for the future. Insulation, energy neutrality, and sustainability have been important elements in this. It is great that we have been able to make significant progress in this area.”

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

Housing remains important, but so does ensuring sufficient sustainable, local energy sources. We want our residents to be able to count on a reliable and future-proof energy supply, both now and in the future.

What motivates you to be a politician? 

Tytsjerksteradiel is a beautiful municipality, and I believe it is very important for politicians to truly serve the community and ensure that our municipality remains a beautiful place for future generations. There is an incredible amount of unrest in the world at the moment, which makes many people feel anxious and powerless. I feel that way too, but here as local politicians, we can make a concrete contribution to a positive future, and I am glad that we are trying to do that together here."

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“Those are the forests of Trynwalden. But they are also places where people meet—there you can see the strength of our community.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• “A warm home for everyone: affordable, sustainable, and suitable.”
• “Accessible healthcare close to home and strong community centers as trusted meeting places.”
• “Villages where life is pleasant for young and old.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

“Because we listen to residents and build on what makes the community strong. We make choices that are in line with the lives of our residents.” 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Berber van Zandbergen
2. Aleida Agema
3. Duco Pietjou
4. Sofie Kleinhuis
5. Corien van der Linden
6. Wout Lijzenga
7. Johan Hoekstra
8. Sipke van der Meulen

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: https://www.pvdagroenlinkstytsjerksteradiel.nl/.

Who are you? 

“My name is Freddy de Haan, I am 58 years old and I live in Burgum. I am a nurse and a soldier in the 43rd Brigade. Being a council member as well means that I am right at the heart of society.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

“That was definitely the separation from Achtkarspelen. I have always been clear about my position: no merger. I want to preserve the identity and human scale of our municipality. I was the spokesperson for Tytsjerksteradiel and maintained close contact with people from Achtkarspelen who were also opposed to a merger. And we succeeded.”

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“Safety — at home, on the streets, and in the village. I maintain close contact with residents through village associations, social media, and, above all, by simply striking up conversations on the street. Other priorities include green space maintenance, local businesses and employment, and, of course, building in a manner appropriate to the character and scale of each village.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

“I am right in the middle of the people. A reliable and accessible government is extremely important to me. People know where to find me, not just during elections but always. I find that very valuable.”

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“The Blue Dog. It has become the mascot of Tytsjerksteradiel. At first, nobody wanted it, but now nobody wants to get rid of it.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• “A good meeting center, village hall, or community center in every village.”
• “Promoting sports and recreation and keeping them affordable.”
• “Strengthening mental well-being and resilience among young people.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

“Because we are truly local. We listen to residents and are committed to what is important here, without any interests from The Hague.” 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Freddy de Haan
2. Jan Pieter van der Velde
3. Nynke Hinke Rintjema
4. Tjerk Buma
5. Tialda Faber
6. Yolanda van Lunzen
7. Martijn Kingma

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: https://www.fnp.frl/tytsjerksteradiel/nl/.

Who are you? 

“My name is Erwin Duursma, I am 54 years old, I live in Munein, and I work as a freelancer in marketing and public-private partnerships. I am someone who sees opportunities, likes to think in terms of possibilities, and believes it is important to work together.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

“There were several important themes: housing, health, and well-being. Underlying these was a common thread: a focus on results. We submitted a motion to make policy goals clear and measurable. This is essential for evaluation and improvement. I also found the cooperation within the council very valuable; it enabled us to take substantive steps in areas such as housing policy.”

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“Creating more space for residents' initiatives. We need to focus more on what is possible. That requires flexibility, customization, and sometimes the courage to adapt rules or take a calculated risk.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

“My motivation is to contribute to quality of life, enjoyment of life, and freedom. I want to make a positive contribution to that. Let everyone be free, but don't let anyone fall, I always say.”

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“The Butenfjild. The combination of water, peace, quiet, and nature is unique—a real hidden gem in Fryslân, but of course there are lots of beautiful places in our municipality.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• “More affordable housing and living space.”
• “Investing in youth, sports, and health.”
• “Fewer rules and more space for residents, villages, and entrepreneurs.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

Of course, people are not obligated to do anything. Everyone is free to choose. However, if our mentality of collaboration and creating space to achieve concrete results appeals to you, we would be grateful for your vote. 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Erwin Duursma
2. Dibbo Dry Pole
3. Anne Hekkema
4. Ypie Duursma-Groenewoud
5. Sem Snip
6. Jeroen Olde Holthof
7. Ulla Spithorst-Bøgh

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: D66 T-diel – It is possible.

Who are you? 

“My name is Dineke Wagenaar, I am 34 years old, I live in Noardburgum, and I work as a secondary school teacher. I grew up in this region and feel a strong connection to the community.”

What has been the most important issue for you over the past four years? 

Housing construction. As the VVD, we have continuously urged action by means of motions and pointed questions to the council. We believe that the municipality should speed up its plans and make clear choices.

What will be your main theme for the next four years? 

“An approachable government. We sometimes use too many complicated words and bureaucracy. I want people to be able to simply call someone and get immediate help. Real communication works better than forms.”

What motivates you to be a politician? 

Politics has always interested me, which is why I chose to study public administration at university. But theory can never be separated from practice. As a true 'wâldpyk' who loves socializing, I meet many people in the community. At village festivals, while shopping, or in the pub. This gives me a good understanding of what is going on in practice. This practical experience should be reflected more in politics, which sometimes revolves too much around rules and paperwork. This is my main motivation."

What is your favorite place in Tytsjerksteradiel? 

“The observation tower at Burgumer Mar. The view is magnificent. I always say: go there, and you'll understand immediately.”

What are the three most important priorities of your party?

• Accelerate housing construction and focus on additional, innovative projects.
• “Stop costly symbolic politics, such as unrealistic sustainability or inclusion policies.”
• “Keep costs affordable for residents and do not increase them.”

Why should people vote for your party? 

“We are both file crunchers and forest rangers: we know the content, but remain down-to-earth and approachable. That way, we can best represent the voice of the residents.” 

Who else is participating?
The party has drawn up the following list:

1. Dineke Wagenaar
2. Sjaak Hoekstra
3. Peter van der Werf
4. Jurre Kamminga
5. Berend Wijbenga
6. Irene Rutte-Schipper
7. Pieter van Kammen
8. Claudia Postma-Kalsbeek
9. Trienke Hiemstra-Wijbenga
10. Robert Smid
11. Ankje de Jong

On February 6, the central electoral committee will decide whether the lists are valid and whether the candidates are eligible to participate in the elections. More information about the party: https://www.vvdtytsjerksteradiel.nl/.