Prime Minister Jetten has offered quite a reward to the electorate: if this year’s municipal elections see a higher turnout, he will abseil down the Rotterdam Euromast with the Mayor of Rotterdam, Carola Schouten. 

And this from a man who’s afraid of heights! 

After Mayor Schouten initially promised to make this daring descent if turnout in Rotterdam is higher this year, Jetten has vowed to join her, reports BD.nl.  

The price is higher, though: the nationwide turnout must be higher, not just Rotterdam’s. He is the incoming prime minister, after all! 

It’s been confirmed: turnout nationwide has reached 54.1%, more than 3% higher than in 2022, reports NOS. In Rotterdam, turnout is also higher, at 40.7%, according to Nu.nl.  

Asked again today, both Schouten and Jetten have made it clear that they will be making good on their promises! 

“I have a terrible fear of heights” Jetten admits to BD.nl, “but I’m a huge fan of Feyenoord, so going down the Euromast with Mayor Schouten and a beautiful view of the city, we should be able to manage that.”

Now that’s what we call a Flying Dutchman (and woman).

It seems there is a Dutch political trend of whimsical, brave acts for the sake of appeasing voters.

The Mayor of Voorne aan Zee, Arno Scheepers, also promised to swim across the Haringvliet if turnout in the city exceeded 50%, reports Rijnmond. 

At 50.6%, he too will have to make good on this deal. 

So, even if you’re disappointed by the election results this year, you get a consolation prize: seeing your local and national politicians screech for your sake. 

Do you think Jetten will truly make the jump? Let us know in the comments!