I read the list with great interest some time ago ‘Political interpreter on TV’ read in the ‘Media’ section of the Volkskrant.

Unfortunately, the most independent political translator, investigative journalist and vlogger of the first hours is gone: Kees Boonman. Admittedly, he currently only occupies a small position on Dutch television (Time for MAX), but his many years of experience as a reporter and political translator in image media are impressive (including NOS, AVROTROS, KRO).

Perhaps Volkskrant has forgotten about it because Kees Boonman is not tempted by the camera like other ‘mediagenic’ translators on the list. I understand. In my opinion, Kees Boonman also performs better on radio.

The preparations were very good, as seen from the signs. He was constantly in the corridors of the Binnenhof looking for new sources and listening to both sides of the story. In addition, he has built an enviable network inside and outside the Hague jar and he reads many newspapers from home and abroad at every show.

He is always curious, calm and ruthlessly sharp in his analysis as the government spills the beans and its prime minister once again hides behind another scandal.

What are the political parties’ plans for our profession? Check out our journalism selection guide.

Stiff upper lip
Boonman also looks like a journalist with a ‘stiff upper lip’, but that may be due to his unrequited love of British politics. He was blessed with a sense of humor that seemed imported straight from England.

I found him a breath of fresh air on Dutch radio. He may be small in size, but his content is big. Give him an empty case of beer and he will attack any prime minister with his critical questions (see photo). I listened to him faithfully when he appeared weekly on Nieuwsweekend on NPO Radio 1.

He was the only guest on the program who was able to silence presenter Mieke van der Weij and that speaks for the man. In about fifteen minutes, at the radio desk, he laid bare the parliamentary tangles that continually keep this liberal cabinet ensnared.

Anyone who wants to prepare well for the November 22 election should not only watch political interpreters futilely on talk show tables, but also listen to Boonman. Because where Frits Wester ends, Kees Boonman begins.