Most Dutch support canceling Efteling trip for asylum youths, back other outings
A majority of Dutch citizens support Asylum Minister Marjolein Faber’s recent decision to cancel a planned trip to the Efteling for young asylum seekers, but also believe other recreational and educational outings for asylum center residents are acceptable, according to a new survey by the RTL.
The poll, conducted among more than 20,000 panel members on May 15 and 16, found that 53 percent agreed with Faber's move to block the amusement park visit. However, nearly as many respondents—four in ten—felt the minister should have allowed the outing to go ahead. The survey was weighted to be representative across five categories: age, gender, education, employment status, and political preference.
“I see a lot of resistance, especially against the Efteling as a destination,” RTL opinion researcher Gijs Rademaker said. “For many families with a decent income, it's still an expensive day out and remains a rare treat. Many people don't object to outings for asylum seekers, but they question whether one of the most expensive theme parks in the country was the smartest choice.”
While opinions differed on the Efteling visit, there was broader support for other types of outings. “Children with such a background deserve something fun,” one participant said. Another added, “It’s also good to show them the culture of our country and create positive memories.”
Several panelists criticized Faber’s intervention, arguing that she overstepped her authority. “She has the power to adjust the budget, not dictate how it’s spent,” one respondent said.
Rademaker noted that both the cost and the nature of the activities heavily influence public opinion. “Almost everyone finds free outings acceptable, and three-quarters support educational trips,” he said. “Support declines when the trips are purely recreational, such as to a zoo or cinema, but even then, half of respondents still find them acceptable.”
Currently, asylum seekers in the Netherlands are allotted an annual recreational budget of 166 euros per person—about 13.80 euros per month. This covers a wide range of activities including sports, swimming and cycling lessons, movies, music, cooking classes, crafts, and excursions.
“When we ask people to estimate the monthly activities budget, only a quarter guess correctly,” said Rademaker. “Half of the respondents think it's tens of euros higher. Once they hear the real amount, 60 percent believe it's either appropriate or too low. Only 12 percent say it's too high, and 22 percent think there should be no recreational budget at all.”
Faber, a member of the PVV, has said she wants to cut the activity budget for asylum seekers following the proposed Efteling trip. The debate has also affected Faber’s standing with the public. Her approval has risen from 22 percent a month ago to 36 percent now. Among PVV supporters, confidence in her is even higher, at 77 percent.
