Next week, Kaag will also lead a second discussion session with Catshuis interest groups on how the cabinet will reflect on slavery’s past on December 19. Rutte himself was at the first meeting, but has commitments in Brussels next week, which he will first discuss with the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Heated discussions
It was previously leaked that Rutte wanted to apologize for past slavery on Dec. 19. This has led to heated discussions about what all cabinet apologies should meet. Last Thursday a group of people involved were invited to the Catshuis to discuss the issue.
In addition to Rutte’s speech, various ministers also reportedly traveled to the former colonies to apologize.
Minister Franc Weerwind (Legal Protection), who in turn has Surinamese origins, would do so in Suriname. But this was rejected in that country. A white person had to come and apologize.
Different requirements
This weekend it became clear that organizations present in the Catshuis had made a number of different demands. At the time, the cabinet had already announced it would not comply with all those demands.
Among other things, there should be a reparation fund for the descendants of victims of slavery. The word nigger must become a criminal offense and Zwarte Piet must disappear completely. Interest groups also want the debts of the Caribbean islands and Suriname to be canceled and King Willem-Alexander to speak at the commemoration of slavery at Amsterdam’s Oosterpark on July 1.
