Amsterdam Mayor Halsema reflects on controversial measures during COVID-19 crisis
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema admitted to doubts about enforcing the curfew during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it an “irresponsible” and “disproportionate” measure. In a retrospective interview with AT5, Halsema revealed her internal struggle with this decision, stating she believed the curfew impacted young people and those living alone the most. Despite her concerns, she refrained from publicly opposing the measure, citing the need to maintain national authority and prevent undermining public trust in the government.
Halsema’s reflections come as part of a broader look back at Amsterdam’s response to the pandemic, which began five years ago with the announcement of the first confirmed case in the city. Over the next two years, Amsterdam faced a series of stringent restrictions including group bans, social distancing, school and business closures, and the controversial curfew.
During this time, Menno de Jong, a virologist at Amsterdam UMC and a member of the national Outbreak Management Team (OMT), advised the government on the public health response. He shared his own emotional toll from the pandemic, describing how he, as a scientist, received threats and even encountered disturbing symbols like broken tulips at his door, associated with anti-government protests. Despite the personal cost, he stood by his advice, calling it an "integral recommendation for society."
Halsema, in her role as mayor, had to manage the public's increasing discontent with these measures. As protests broke out across the city, including on the Museumplein, Halsema was forced to intervene. Demonstrators, led by Michel Reijinga under the guise of “coffee drinking,” ignored social distancing rules and continued to protest against government measures. Despite her discomfort with using force to disperse the crowds, Halsema ordered police to employ water cannons, though at a reduced pressure, in hopes of encouraging people to leave peacefully.
Reijinga, who organized many of the protests, expressed no regret for his actions, claiming he had support from both within the political and healthcare sectors. He argued that many people shared his view that the government's response was overly harsh.
Meanwhile, Menno de Jong, now the director of the RIVM's Center for Infectious Disease Control, acknowledged that the country is currently unprepared for another pandemic. He criticized the funding cuts from Health Minister Agema, stressing that without additional resources, the Netherlands would remain vulnerable to future health crises.
