VVD proposes stricter limits on right to protest
The VVD party has called for stricter regulations on protests in the Netherlands, proposing measures to curb disruptive demonstrations, including those on highways and at commemorative events. The proposals, led by VVD Member of Parliament Ingrid Michon-Derkzen, will be presented during a parliamentary debate on the right to protest.
“We see demonstrations getting completely out of hand. All means are considered acceptable to achieve their goals,” Michon-Derkzen said, highlighting recent incidents such as road blockades by farmers, university damage during pro-Palestinian protests, and highway blockades by climate activists. “These are not demonstrators but offenders,” she stated.
The VVD wants to introduce legislation similar to British laws, criminalizing the obstruction of vital infrastructure, such as airports, sluices, and highways. Under this law, individuals participating in such actions could be penalized, and damages could be recovered from either the demonstrators or the organizations behind them.
“I also want to register those who are present at unauthorized protests, such as highway blockades,” Michon-Derkzen said. “If we cannot recover the damages from the individuals, we will hold the organizing entities accountable.”
Michon-Derkzen also emphasized the need to prioritize commemorative events over protest rights. “Commemorations are about silence, about experiencing a significant moment together in silence. In the eyes of my party, the right to protest must give way to this,” she said.
The VVD is pushing for amendments to the Wet openbare manifestaties (Public Assemblies Act) to allow mayors to ban protests near commemorations, particularly when such protests glorify terrorism.
While mayors can already prohibit protests that threaten public health, traffic flow, or public order, they increasingly face challenges with disruptive demonstrations. Justice and Security Minister David van Weel has expressed support for setting clearer boundaries but is awaiting a study from the Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Datacentrum (WODC) on how protest rights intersect with other rights, such as privacy.
“Protesters are using their right to protest as a free pass to commit criminal acts because they deem their cause so important,” said Jan Brouwer, emeritus professor of general legal science. Brouwer noted that stricter measures, like those in England, could provide clear boundaries for demonstrators.
However, Brouwer argued that additional legislation might not be necessary in the Netherlands. “Mayors already have sufficient authority to end highway blockades, but there is a manpower issue,” he said. Brouwer suggested better training for mayors and improved communication with demonstrators as more effective solutions.
