Rutte and other Dutch politicians express support for France after extremist attack in Nice

A vicious attack on churchgoers in Nice, presumably by an Islamic extremist, has sent shockwaves through international news and the Dutch cabinet alike.

Prime Minister Rutte expressed his support to the French, saying, “Our thoughts go out to the next of kin. And we say to the French people: you are not alone in the fight against extremism. The Netherlands is beside you.”

Likewise, other members of cabinet were shocked by the violent incident, reports NOS. “Horrific! For the second time in a short time innocent civilians in France brutally butchered, this time at a church in Nice. This strengthens our determination in the fight against Islamic terrorism,” SGP leader Van der Staaij said.

“My mind dwells on the hatred and killer desire of this Islamic terrorist,” said Minister Kaag.

Anti-terrorism

The killings in Nice come shortly after an attack on a French teacher who was beheaded earlier this month. The terrorist threat level is now on high alert in France, and President Macron has promised to tighten security against such extremism, reports BBC News.

The Netherlands stands with France in fighting this kind of terror, but Dutch politicians warn that such attacks could potentially happen in the Netherlands too. National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) Pieter-Jaap Aaldersberg has emphasised the need for the Dutch to stay alert.

“Whatever your background, color or religion, let’s unite against this barbarism,” SP leader Marijnissen said.

Meanwhile, the attacks threaten to further polarize political debates on diversity in the Netherlands. PVV leader Wilders commented, “As long as we do not stop Islam and all violent Islamo fascists do not expel our country, these kinds of barbaric acts will continue to take place.”

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Feature Image: Needpix.com 

Emily Burger
Emily Burger
Emily grew up in South Africa but has also lived in Egypt, the UK, Canada and now the Netherlands. She first came here for her Bachelors in Arts and Culture at Maastricht University and soon fell in love with the land of canals, clogs and cheese. When she's not daydreaming about sci-fi movies or countries yet to explore, you can find her writing for DutchReview.

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