Amsterdam cafe to unveil Kings Day mural referencing Marjolein Faber's "ribbon gate"

Cafe De Blaffende Vis traditional Kings Day mural in the Jordaan, Amsterdam has been announced. King Willem Alexander is depicted on a meters large mural with a thumb up saying “You are all getting a ribbon.” Below it then says “except for you” referring to the “ribbon gate” involving asylum minister Marjolein Faber.

Another reference is to the strict German teacher from the TV show Rundfunk. In that, actor Pierre Bokma sadistically gave all students a failing grade with a German accent. Willem Alexander is depicted in a vest that looks similar to that of the character.

In his other hand, the King is holding a paper which says “'it pleased His Majesty.” This is the sentence that is uttered during the presentation of a royal honor.

Every year the Amsterdam cafe unveils a creative creation that is three floors high. It often portrays icons and references current themes. There was a lot of controversy this year when Faber refused to sign for five ribbons to be given to volunteers who worked as aids to asylum seekers.

It was said that their work was “at odds” with her anti-immigration policies. Eventually, Prime Minister Dick Schoof and interior minister Judith Uitermark signed for the honor.

The mural was unveiled at the start of Koningsnacht, the evening before Kings Day. However, several people took a photo during the construction and shared it on social media on Friday. One of them was Eric van der Burg, the State Secretary for Justice and Security, who is responsible for asylum and migration under Faber.

Faber wants to abolish the Distribution Act that was passed under him. The VVD member wrote with the photo that the mural is an appreciation "for everyone who works for the Netherlands with a touch of current politics.”

The cafe said that it is the case almost every year that the creation is known to the public before the unveiling because it is constructed in public. Despite this, there is a show on Friday night and the work will be unveiled.