Maastricht politician wants to see Interior Minister hang over referendum abolishment

Paul Berben, candidate city councilor for party Veilig Maastricht, is furious at Minister Kasja Ollongren of Home Affairs because of the government's intention to abolish the advisory referendum. "My personal opinion: as far as I'm concerned she should hang on the highest tree", he wrote on Facebook. The Minister is still considering whether to take further steps against him, RTL Nieuws reports.

Berben posted this comment in response to an RTL Nieuws article about the abolishment of the referendum. It has since been removed from the social media platform.

Ollongren told the broadcaster that she finds freedom of speech very important. "We have an open debate in the Netherlands and a lot is allowed. But on the other hand, politicians, but also ambulance workers for example, must be able to do their jobs. Death threats are not part of that."

The Maastricht politician is shocked about the commotion his statement caused. "I don't find it threatening. It's not a death threat. Maybe I should rather not have written it", he said to RTL. To NOS he added that it is just a Limburg expression that is meant figuratively. Berben is 9th on Veilig Maastricht's candidate list for the municipal election next month.