There is a proposal that can count on a large majority. That proposal says that the municipality will only support the entry if the “racist caricature Zwarte Piet” is abandoned. This support includes subsidies, use of the town hall, but also the presence of members of the board, including the mayor. But Marcouch doesn’t like that.
Also see: Arnhem bans Zwarte Piet after protest against racism
‘Their citizen father for children’
“I find it a difficult call as the mayor of all Arnhemmers not to be there demonstratively,” says the mayor. Marcouch also points out that he has a role in public order and safety there. “I am the mayor for the demonstrators, and their mayor for the children.”
Moreover, what happens around the entry is not punishable, Marcouch emphasizes. According to him, however, the municipality can impose conditions on subsidies, for example. Although that municipal contribution is limited in his view. But according to him, the party “politicization” as is happening is not the right way. “Children who are discriminated against are also affected.”
‘Conversation wrongly’
The conversation about this is currently being started in the wrong way, says the mayor. “Up to and including violence and threats. Two demonstrations of supporters and opponents of Zwarte Piet have already been announced in our city. That is not what we want.” According to him, Sinterklaas should change towards a party that all children can enjoy. “And that change is underway. Only it is going too fast for some and much too slow for others.”
Also see: Demonstrators will go to Sinterklaasintocht Arnhem as Zwarte Piet
But racist characteristics are non-negotiable, says GroenLinks group chairman Mark Coenders. And the dialogue with the entry committee has not yet led to change, he sees. Marcouch acknowledges that the steps are sometimes very small.
‘Brown is a step in the wrong direction’
Last year, the committee decided to use partly helpers. “A step in the wrong direction,” said council member Nathalie Nede (ChristenUnie). “With the black you could explain that it came from the chimney,” adds Leo de Groot (Party for the Animals). “So you shouldn’t talk to the people of that organization. They can’t make decisions on their own.”
René Kraaijenbrink (Arnhem Central) finds it strange that citizen participation “apparently suddenly no longer applies”. “Just tap instead of talking to the city.” Change can be done with the blunt ax, but also with the soft comb.
“Then Marcouch has something to explain”
Formally, the decision on the proposal will be made next week. But if Marcouch, against the wishes of the council, still decides to be present at the entry if it contains black or brown people, he has “something to explain”, councilors of D66, GroenLinks and PvdA say after the meeting. “Then there will be an immediate debate,” said Coenders.
Also see: Arnhem entrepreneurs are also turning against Zwarte Piet
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