Mina Morkoç (24) was recently installed in the Rotterdam City Council. She studies law and tax law and has been active in politics since her first year at university. Where does that drive come from? How do you combine studying with a political career? And why would you want to do it?
You joined a political party at a young age, why?
"That has to do with a combination of factors, such as my upbringing and my secondary school. I was taught at home that it is important to be aware of your rights and to make use of them. If you have rights, you guard them and fight for them, I was taught. I learned to stand up for myself and to deal with new environments. That certainly had an impact.
In addition, I went to a secondary school where I was encouraged to think about social problems. That is really a privilege if you are in a school where teachers encourage you like that. I was also given extra subjects, which made me think at a young age: I can address these problems."
"I think it's important to be aware of privileges; I don't have a privileged background, but I did have privileges from my education."
Elections
Mina was about 18 when the American elections took place, with Bernie Sanders. He put forward themes that she thought were important, especially around equality and the environment. "I thought: what about in the Netherlands? I started to look into it and then there were the municipal elections the following year. I just walked into GroenLinks and introduced myself: 'Hi, I'm Mina, I have biscuits'."
Mina was out again pretty quickly, but she was invited to the election night. She went there with a bottle of wine. Through conversations that evening, she became involved in a working group on sustainability and greenery, of which she became the chair a year later. That is how the ball started rolling.
"I just walked in and said, 'Hi, I'm Mina, I have biscuits'."
In the municipal elections in 2022, Mina was in place 5 on the GroenLinks list in Rotterdam. GroenLinks won five seats and she was elected to the council. She also received the most votes within her party after the top candidate. Whether many students voted for her, we do not know, but she hopes so. Because that is unique, a student in the council: "I want to represent all students and be in contact with them.
You study Law and Tax Law, how do you combine your studies and your work in a political party?
"I was always busy in secondary school too. I like a lot of things. And I always worked, too. It is not that it always goes smoothly, it is sometimes too much. But I know better and better what I need and I don't feel guilty if I take a day off, for example. Or if my studies are delayed because of all the cool things I do besides studying.
What are your goals for the city, and what do you want to achieve?
"I want young people to have a green, fair future and a place where they can go with their problems. The portfolio allocation has not been finalised yet, but whatever subject I get, I'm going to include the perspective of young people."
You've lived in many different neighbourhoods in Rotterdam. Do you think it matters which neighbourhood you grow up in?
"Yes, definitely. Just look at the differences in attendance rates per neighbourhood. There are many places in Rotterdam where people just don't vote. They have lost confidence in politics, they feel they are not allowed to have their say or they think that the issues do not affect them.
As a young person, I think you have an advantage because you are so connected to the city. You go out, you move around the city, you meet a lot of people. I really hope to speak to a lot of people throughout the city."
What would you like to give to others who want to join a political party, but are still hesitant about doing so?
"Ask questions. All politicians on the council are ultimately there, left or right because they care about the city in their own way. That also means they care about the city's residents and like to engage in conversation. Just send an e-mail 'I think this is interesting, where can I participate in the discussion?' It is very accessible, especially the city council. And you can also contact me, send a message, I have my website where my details are. And: don't be afraid to do business alongside your studies! It's good to broaden your interests during your studies. It's not a bad thing to be a bit behind with your studies, especially if you're working towards a better world."
- More information
You can contact Mina here
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