A focus on welfare and a strong social foundation makes a difference in daily life, both in the city and in the villages. Residents are diverse, but share the same need: support that comes on time, is nearby, and actually works. This applies to families with concerns about their children, caregivers, older adults who want to stay at home, and people who want to stay healthy through sport and movement.
In Groningen, that foundation is under pressure. Welfare is not what it used to be. Sports facilities face strain due to maintenance, crowding, and unclear long-term plans. At the same time, we see how strong our municipality can be when people connect, participate, and take shared responsibility. This requires clear and principled choices while leaving room for improvement.
The Partij vóór het Noorden chooses welfare organised close to residents and sport that remains accessible for everyone. We work practically: fewer service desks, clearer agreements, and support where it matters. Residents are involved early in plans, not just afterwards, so participation becomes more than an information evening. We maintain equal treatment and clear rules; this builds our foundation of trust.
What does the Partij vóór het Noorden want?
01 – Better representation of top-level sport in Groningen
Groningen is a highly successful sports municipality with clubs we can be proud of, such as FC Groningen, Lycurgus, and Donar. We want to strengthen the relationship with these clubs to better respond to the needs of top-level sport in Groningen.
02 – Welfare organised close to residents
We want to invest in low-threshold activities to combat loneliness and social isolation. Initiatives are supported at the neighbourhood and village level. Residents will notice this through more activities that fit their environment.
03 – Focus on sports for people with disabilities
We consider the position of disabled sports in subsidies and investments. We also map which municipal sports facilities are insufficiently accessible. Finally, we want to establish structural contact with those involved, as they know best what their own needs are.
04 – Strong neighbourhood and village facilities
We ensure the continued existence of community and village centres as central meeting places. The municipality should make multi-year agreements on their use and support. This gives residents clarity and allows activities to continue.
05 – Safe participation in sport and nightlife
We continue working on social safety along busy routes and in nightlife areas. This is done together with entrepreneurs, enforcement, and residents. Measures are evaluated annually and adjusted where needed.
06 – Preserve sports facilities
We make multi-year agreements on the maintenance and use of sports halls and swimming pools. Closure without full compensation is not an option, especially as Groningen continues to grow. This gives clubs certainty and allows them to plan for the future.
07 – Space for growing sports
We support growing sports, such as women’s football, with suitable locations and clear procedures. The municipality must ensure transparency about choices and planning. This ensures that all forms of physical activity have a place in Groningen.
08 – Low-threshold opportunities to move
We invest in exercise parks, free sports projects, and temporary facilities such as inflatable halls where needed. Registration and participation are simple, as is organising sports activities and competitions. Everyone can take part, regardless of age or income.
09 – New training facilities for FC Groningen
FC Groningen deserves a training complex that accommodates men’s and women’s teams as well as youth development. The complex must have sufficient capacity for all teams to train and develop properly, preferably within Groningen. This allows talent development, top-level performance, and broad participation in the club to go hand in hand.
Want to know more?
A healthy society also requires a healthy living environment. Read on to see how we strengthen green spaces, sustainability, and the living climate in ways that residents can feel directly in their streets, neighbourhoods, and villages.
