Menno Schellekens (19), a first-year student at LUC The Hague, was one of the four candidates in the VPRO tv programme ‘Premier Gezocht!’. The candidates needed to convince the jury that they are the next political talent of the Netherlands. Last night Menno won the 'Premier Gezocht!' award.

Watch the broadcast online
Website Premier Gezocht! 

Could you please tell us a bit about the programme?
We had to debate a number of topics which politicians are faced with today. We had a short debate and were presented with a gut wrenching dilemma to test our decisionmaking skills. 

Why did you choose to participate in 'Premier Gezocht'?
More than ever, I am worried about the direction of Dutch politics. Our current government treats people like numbers on a spreadsheet, easily deleted to balance the budget. This is a startling departure from decades of sensible and humane policy. Also, the last ten years of political debate have been hijacked by fear of a non-existent flood of immigrants and Islam. This has diverted attention from the true challenges facing us: reforming our healthcare system, reforming our economy to allow for sustainable growth and reform our education system to be one of the best in the world. When I was presented with a chance to bring this message to a large audience, I could not say no. 

Which part of the programme did you find most challenging?
My dilemma was particularly tough. At first, I was flabbergasted and I could tell that the audience was shocked as well. However, I was able to turn it around. I could feel the energy of the room suddenly change. That was an amazing feeling.

Do you think you could the next prime minister?
This program was not about me. It was not about picking a prime minister. It was about showing what our generation has in store. We are realists who dare to dream, with great ambitions for the future. Firsts and foremost, we need a prime minister who is ready and able to face the challenges the 21st century brings. I will support anyone who runs on that progressive platform. For now, I know my place and will continue my studies at LUC.  However, if I were to be called upon in years time, I would be more than ready to serve.