Call for response to Wilders’ statement about deploying scum and Halsema

Photo: ANP / Robin Utrecht

Geert Wilders’ statement about pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema is causing quite a stir. There is a loud call for a ‘strong response’ from at least Minister of the Interior Judith Uitermark and also from MPs.

Yesterday, PVV leader Wilders wrote on X about pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Amsterdam: “Out of the country with that scum. And Halsema can come along.” Utrecht mayor Sharon Dijksma calls the words of the leader of the largest coalition party “completely irresponsible”. She wants the cabinet to distance itself from the post.

Out of the country with that scum.

And Halsema can come along. pic.twitter.com/ElqGakphXO

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) October 7, 2024

Bruls calls Wilders’ words intimidating

Nijmegen Mayor Hubert Bruls calls Geert Wilders’ words about Mayor Femke Halsema “completely inappropriate and intimidating.” He expects “a strong response” from Minister Uitermark.

Uitermark itself joined a response from Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who said that the cabinet supports Halsema. “I think that we as politicians should set a good example,” she continued. The minister did not want to discuss Wilders’ statement. “The cabinet is concerned with its own words, not those of Mr Wilders.”

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Dick Schoof

The cabinet supports Mayor Femke Halsema of Amsterdam. Prime Minister Dick Schoof said this RTL News and the NOS. He did not want to elaborate on a statement by PVV leader Geert Wilders, who recently called on X that Schoof is not the boss of our country. The Prime Minister thinks it is “indecent” to demonstrate for the Palestinian cause on October 7. “But everyone makes their own choices.” The mayor cannot be blamed for this, he believes. “Demonstrating is a fundamental right, even on October 7.”

No response from Halsema to Wilders

Femke Halsema’s spokesperson says she “does not want to give oxygen to Wilders’ statement.” Amsterdam councilor Marjolein Moorman (PvdA) addresses X in a message to VVD faction leader Dilan Yeşilgöz and NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt. She refers to Wilders’ message. “Dear @DilanYesilgoz and @PieterOmtzigt, when has the limit actually been reached for you?”

“Wilders is polarizing on the back of a mayor who, in good conscience, tries to keep society together,” says Mayor Paul Depla of Breda in response to a message from the PVV leader about Femke Halsema. Depla, also chairman of the G40 city network, calls Wilders’ words “unworthy of a political leader.” With his words, the leader of the largest coalition party “unfairly places Halsema in a political camp,” says the mayor of Breda. “He seems to be disqualifying Mayor Halsema’s commitment and intention solely for his own political gain. While Halsema stands above the parties, Wilders politicizes the efforts of the mayor because he does not do what he wants.”

Support mayors #Halsema . Great example of personal and shared responsibility!
When we witness injustice and we do nothing, we are complicit…

Mayors support Halsema, who is wanted out of the country by Wilders –

— Annette Nobuntu Mul (@Ubuntunederland) October 8, 2024

‘Support needed in difficult times’

Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague asks national politicians for support for mayors, following statements by Wilders. The Dutch Society of Mayors also called for support for mayors. “In these difficult times, we need support from national politics to keep things peaceful and safe together in our municipalities,” says Van Zanen about the message. “My appeal is: let us not import conflicts, but export peace. I call on those who serve the public good at a national level to support us in this.”

More than three hundred demonstrators were arrested yesterday at the pro-Palestinian demonstration. They wanted to go to Dam Square, where a demonstration commemorating the Hamas attack on Israel was taking place at the time. Halsema had allowed the pro-Palestinian action at another location in the area, invoking the right to demonstrate.

PowNed broadcast last night October 7 – Out a year later. That program was about people in both the Gaza Strip and Israel.

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