Netherlands - Social unrest and protests against Rutte Government rising as austerity programs are implemented

Amsterdam demonstration  - Foto HFV

It was reported in local Dutch newspapers that the Rutte Government will abolish its plans to scrap the basic education grant for University students ( bachelor level) and replace it by a student loan program. The program was to go into effect on January 1, 2014. Grants for students following Masters and PHD studies, however, will be replaced by a student loan program on January 1, 2014.

But, nevertheless, social unrest and unemployment is increasing in the Netherlands as austerity measures are put into effect by the government.

Student demonstrations have been called for this week in the university cities of Delft (today), Utrecht (on Tuesday) and in Amsterdam on (Wednesday).

This weeks protest meetings follow a major demonstration held on Saturday by social workers in Amsterdam. They protested against budget cuts for elderly care and social well-fare patients.

The labor Union Abvakavo FNV expects that as a result of these government cutbacks approximately 170.000 elderly will not get help at home anymore and eventually will end up in hospitals, which they say will cost the government even more. The government cuts will also mean that approximately 100.000 social workers will be losing their jobs. 

Protestors are calling for cutting unnecessary military programs, have the wealthy pay their equal share of the tax burden and want the Government to go after the tax avoiding multi-national corporations based in the Netherlands

EU-Digest