International

Failed tendering is leading to chaos in interpretation and translation services for asylum seekers. SP Member of Parliament Arda Gerkens wants to see an immediate end to a system which leaves the service to the market. “Tendering was supposed to make translation and interpretation cheaper," she says, "but what has emerged is that there aren't enough interpreters, they fail to turn up, or they speak the wrong language. It's really total chaos."

As things stand tendering is leading to delays to court hearings, long procedures and additional costs. In Arda Gerkens' view, this is unacceptable. “This is the umpteenth example of failed privatisation or liberalisation. How could the Minister of Justice imagine that services crucial to the progress of procedures were suitable for tendering in this way? We're working on all sides to make the administration of justice more effective and now this happens. There is no place for the market in the provision of essential public services. When will that get through to these people? The minister must immediately intervene to ensure that an end is put to this chaos.”