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Why are tampons and pads not free in Netherlands?

Chuka Nwanazia
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Why are tampons and pads not free in Netherlands?

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make pads and tampons free for girls and women, after parliament unanimously passed the legislation on Tuesday. 

Pads and tampons have already been free for Scottish students since 2018 and they will now be available for free in public places such as sports clubs, universities, etc. It’s a huge win for all Scottish women.

But it also makes you wonder: why is this not the case in the Netherlands? Why are toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels always available for free in public restrooms — but menstrual products are not?

The Netherlands isn’t immune to period poverty

Research by De Bovengrondse has shown that 10 percent of young women in the Netherlands sometimes cannot afford sanitary pads or tampons. In fact, one in 10 Dutch girls may not go to school because they have their period and have no money for tampons.

A pack of sanitary pads at the supermarket or pharmacy costs €1.09. Some may say that is not that expensive. But for many low-income families, particularly those with daughters, that price can be a huge barrier.

READ MORE | Women’s healthcare in the Netherlands: the complete guide

A study from Plan International has shown that almost 10 percent of Dutch girls and women between the ages of 12 and 25 only sometimes have enough money for sanitary pads or tampons.

Nowhere to turn

In the Netherlands, many people with a low income can go to the food bank to get something to eat. But when it comes to menstruation, period poverty is a cause for (extra) stress, especially for lower-income and homeless women, or women who are in prison.

It is an extra expense that people usually don’t think about and can lead to unsanitary and unhealthy conditions with the problems that come with them if we ignore it as a society.

Efforts to make pads and tampons free in the Netherlands

The Dutch House of Representatives has discussed making sanitary products for women free — to no avail.

According to Het Dames Verband, a period fundraising campaign from De Bovengrondse, the government believes it has enough measures in place to reduce poverty.

However, change may be possible on a municipal level. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Gouda are all investigating how they can relieve period poverty for their residents.

Het Dames Verband is continuing on a quest for more research, and initiatives to make menstrual products free of charge (or reimbursed) in schools, shelters, and other public places.

READ MORE | Universal Basic Income in the Netherlands: would it work?

Without sanitary products

Around the world, there are currently about 800 million girls and women having their periods. While all of those women need tampons, sanitary pads, or other forms of sanitary products, many don’t have access. Some women resort to using rags, whatever they have nearby, or nothing at all.

As we know, menstruation is natural, biological, and often unavoidable. In many cultures, even here in the Netherlands, menstruation is still very much a taboo, and people who are less fortunate are often ashamed of their financial situation.

Due to the taboo surrounding menstruation and the shame of a low income, period poverty and shame are things that girls often have to deal with.

Eliminating period poverty

The truth is this: women should not be dependent on their income when it comes to hygiene during periods. Menstruation is just as much a part of going to the toilet as having a bowel movement. It is natural and making women spend money for it is both unfair and feels like punishment for something they have no hand in.

Sanitary pads, tampons or other hygienic means for menstruation should be free and available wherever toilet paper is available.

Kudos to the Scots on the initiative. Now, we are waiting for the Netherlands to follow in their footsteps.

Eliminating period poverty in the Netherlands can be achieved. We need to stop talking about it and just do it. Access to free menstrual products is a right. Period!

Do you think pads, tampons, and other menstruation products should be free in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Viktoria Slowikowska/Pexels

Traditional New Year’s Eve beach bonfires cancelled due to coronavirus

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Traditional New Year’s Eve beach bonfires cancelled due to coronavirus

The Dutch tradition of huge bonfires on beaches in The Hague will not go ahead. Is it because of that time the bonfires turned into fire tornados? Nope — as always, the cancellations are due to coronavirus. 

The bonfires on the beaches of Scheveningen and Duindorp are a New Year’s tradition. However, the mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, announced yesterday that he had no other choice but to cancel this year’s event.

Organisers have also scrapped bonfires in the Escamp and Laak districts.

Too popular to risk

Van Zanen had previously felt hopeful that declining coronavirus numbers would let him give the bonfire builders a green light.

However, with the decline stagnating and a strong likelihood that the partial lockdown will continue through mid-January, this year’s bonfires will not be lit.

“Suppose we would have had a relaxation at the last minute, then I did not think it was justified to allow it, because too many people would come to it,” explained Van Zanen to the NOS.

Kevin Batenburg, of the organizing foundation in Scheveningen, thinks it is a wise decision.

“If it could have gone through, we would have obtained a permit for a small audience. That would have been unenforceable for us with the alcohol that also plays a role in such a night,” he told the NOS.

No more fire tornados

The coronavirus crisis may be responsible for cancelling the 2020 event. However, the traditional bonfires would have looked different from the previous events anyway.

That’s because, in 2018, the bonfires went terribly wrong. Windy weather conditions blew ashes and embers from the 48 metre-tall bonfires onto the watching crowd.

Pure chaos reigned, the crowd was evacuated, and nearby bikes and cars were getting a little crispy.

READ MORE | The Big Bonfire Firestorm: so what really happened at Scheveningen on NYE?

The Dutch Safety Board wrote a report on the drama the following year. The report recommended that the municipality distance itself from the event, permits must be issued — and of course, the fires had to become safer (no more 48-metre tall monstrosities).

A torchlit procession replaced last year’s bonfires after the municipality refused to issue a permit for 2019.

Other Dutch New Year’s traditions have also come under heavy fire as of late. The Dutch cabinet recently announced that fireworks will be banned for 2020, following significant injuries, deaths, and annual mayhem.

Are you disappointed that this year’s NYE bonfire events are cancelled? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Emma Brown

De Jonge: partial lockdown likely in effect past mid-January

Brin Andrews
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De Jonge: partial lockdown likely in effect past mid-January

Minister of Health Hugo de Jonge expects that it will take some time to lower the infections to a level that allows for relaxation of measures. “You have to assume that it will really take longer than mid-January,” the minister said after Tuesday’s Vragenuurtje (Question Time).

De Jonge says the partial lockdown will likely remain in place until the rate of infection slows to a point where the roadmap suggests measures can be eased. “You can now say that the braking distance is simply longer,” says De Jonge, according to NU.

The minister says that with the R number again above 1, the RIVM’s only slightly lower weekly figures are cause for concern. “In a whole week, we only had 715 fewer infections, which is nowhere near good enough.”

De Jonge emphasises, “The fastest way to get rid of the measures is to stick to the measures.”

Question of Christmas

The cabinet is hoping to be more lenient around Christmas, but the current trend in coronavirus cases leaves this very much in question. “It does not look good. The expansion of possibilities in December has become uncertain,” said the minister.

A December 8 press conference will reveal what the cabinet determines for holiday measures. Previous advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) and RIVM has been that measures should remain in place until at least mid-January.

One measure the cabinet is considering is keeping schools closed for longer around Christmas. “You have to keep schools closed longer if you really cannot do otherwise,” says De Jonge. “We have seen that this worked around the autumn holidays.”

“We will have to do everything we can”

De Jonge says that the recent decline in hospitalizations and ICU admissions is no cause for confidence. “In the short-term, we will have to do it ourselves, we are really not there yet.”

“We were well on our way and thought we were in control,” says De Jonge. “But if we want to spend Christmas together, we will have to do everything we can.”

What do you think of De Jong’s message? Are you optimistic that the partial lockdown can be lifted by the new year? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: European People’s Party/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

 

Sluisje McSluisface: the lock name that could have been

Emily Burger
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Sluisje McSluisface: the lock name that could have been

IJmuiden will soon open what will become the biggest sea lock in the world, bringing major international attention to the Netherlands. But the new lock was in need of a name, so the municipality of Velsen decided to hold a competition for it.

Locals loved the opportunity to offer their two cents, with over 5000 names for the sluis being submitted for consideration. Names like Irma Sluis, the Lock Mother and, naturally, Lock McSluisface poured in, reports RTL Nieuws. But after months of wordplay and excitement, residents of Velsen and people on social media were bitterly disappointed when they learned what the municipality had chosen.

Rather than Sluizenmoeder or Sluisje McSluisface, which clearly would have been lock-tacular, the municipality decided to go with the most basic name ever: Sea Lock IJmuiden. Whoo-peee. 

“Did you need a competition for that?” residents complained. “What a joke.” The name has not only been criticised for its lack of creativity, but the fact that non-Dutch speakers will find it particularly hard to pronounce. This will likely have an effect on the international recognition that it receives.

Perhaps the worst part of the whole show was how the new name was announced, as though it would result in wide applause:

In the video Nienke Bagchus, director of network management at Rijkswaterstaat, thanks the public for all of their creative contributions. Jeroen Verwoort, an alderman of the municipality of Velsen, explains that they narrowed the list down to five names, including Irma Sluis which was all over the news. The council of the mayor and the aldermen of the municipality then made the final choice. 

Verwoort is proud of the fact that the new name, submitted by multiple people, will put IJmuiden on the international map. With Sea Lock IJmuiden? Whatever you say, Verwoort.

 What do you think of the new lock name? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Debot at Dutch Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Giving Tuesday: how to support the global day of giving in the Netherlands

Brin Andrews
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Giving Tuesday: how to support the global day of giving in the Netherlands

Everyone’s heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday — two widely celebrated days of the year built on consumerism. But have you heard of Giving Tuesday? It’s the perfect counterbalance — a day that’s all about doing something for others.

Giving Tuesday is a global initiative for individuals and organisations to all pitch in to help those in need, in one big blowout day. It falls on the Tuesday after Cyber Monday and this year that’s December 1. 

The Netherlands has its own branch, givingtuesday.nl, which offers a platform specific to NGOs here in the country. It’s an excellent resource to explore and give to local NGOs making a difference in your own community.

What’s Giving Tuesday all about?

Where Black Friday and Cyber Monday are designed to open up the shopping season for the holidays, Giving Tuesday is more in line with the true spirit of the holidays, meant to open up the giving season. 

The movement began in 2012 and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, bringing in hundreds of millions of euros, dollars, pounds, francs, pesos, yen, and so much more, to important causes around the world. On this very special Tuesday, and the days, weeks, and months leading up to it, thousands of people work together to promote generosity by carrying out campaigns, donating, and volunteering.

Who can I donate to?

Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity to donate to your long-time favourite charity, or discover new organisations and individuals doing important work. All of these can be easily perused on the Giving Tuesday website. 

There are dozens of local organisations participating in the initiative and working to improve lives and communities in the Netherlands. Whether your philanthropic passions lie in cancer research, environmental preservation, sheltering refugees, or emotional support animals, there’s an organisation in the Netherlands that can greatly benefit from your donation.

You can also donate to organisations doing meaningful work abroad. By supporting international development projects even a small donation can make a huge impact. Particularly considering how many people and communities have been affected by recent natural disasters on top of the coronavirus pandemic. Many organisations have organised emergency campaigns to aid in this type of crisis recovery.

Don’t know how to choose? Consider donating to organisations with a mission that’s close to your heart, or look for projects that are working in areas of great and urgent need. Coronavirus has left countless people and organisations in need of outside assistance, and there is an infinite number of worthy causes. Choose what resonates most with you. 

Why donate now?

This year has taken a toll

At a time when coronavirus has affected the lives and livelihoods of people in all parts of the world, giving has never been more important. For the same reason, it’s also a more challenging year for people to give. 

For many organisations, donations around the holidays form a large percentage of the funding they receive each year. This year, donations are anticipated to be fewer across the board, as more people are strapped with their own needs and funding is spread thin. But the demand for humanitarian work has only increased.

You can make a difference

Giving Tuesday is about encouraging people to do good, described as a “global generosity movement.” By participating in the movement, you’re helping bring awareness to causes that make a difference. Every euro you donate, or #givingtuesday you share on social media, you’re making a difference too.

If you’re someone whose bank account hasn’t been too greatly affected by the pandemic, you’ve probably found yourself at some point wondering what you can do to help. This is how, my friend. It’s the best way to effect meaningful change in people’s lives right now. 

If your own resources are limited, remember that even the tiniest donation can make a difference. Also, look into organisations that are seeking more than just monetary donations. Coats, blankets, clothes, and food, are often welcome items. Everyone has something to offer, even if it’s just a little of your time, your skills, or posting a simple #UNselfie on social media, sharing your story and inspiring others to give. 

It feels good to give

Helping others is a great way to lift your own spirits. The personal satisfaction you feel from giving probably won’t be the reason you decide to donate, but it sure is a happy side effect. Plus, when you spend money on an important cause, you’re not left with that ugly buyer’s remorse, or an ill-fitting sweater you’ll only wear once.

It’s tax-deductible

It’s also tax-deductible so you can write it off in next year’s tax return. 

Where does my money go?

Giving Tuesday is the platform that helps nonprofits and individuals build awareness, but they never handle the transfer of money. Your donation goes directly to the organisation of your choosing, through their established payment system. You don’t have to be concerned about anyone in the middle taking a cut.

So let this Tuesday be about more than tacos, let it be about giving. Now that you’ve scoured the internet for all the best kortings, take the time to look over some of the brilliant campaigns working to make the world a better place. 

Will you participate in Giving Tuesday this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

Coronavirus update: numbers drop marginally — but the rate of infection increases

Brin Andrews
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0
Coronavirus update: numbers drop marginally — but the rate of infection increases

This week’s figures from the RIVM show a slight decline in coronavirus cases in the Netherlands. But while the numbers are dropping the rate of infection has started to rise again — a bad omen for future numbers.

In the past week, the Netherlands has had 36,931 new infections, according to RIVM. This is 775 fewer than last week’s 37,706 new infections.

Along with the decline in new infections, hospitals are also seeing slightly fewer patients. The number of nursing ward hospitalizations has decreased to 1291 from the previous week’s 1496.

The number of patients in ICU has lower as well. While the previous week had 224 ICU patients, this week there were 193.

In the past week, there have been 422 COVID-19-related deaths in the country, down slightly from last week’s 479. 

Here’s what else has happened during the past week regarding coronavirus in the Netherlands:

Experts call for stricter measures in schools

Secondary schools are now the fourth-highest source of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. This has some experts saying stricter measures are needed. 

Last week, several outbreaks in classrooms across the country caused Pediatrician epidemiologist Patricia Bruijning to point out that young people may be carrying the virus without knowing.

Bruijning and other experts are calling for more clarity from the OMT. They want to see improved protocol around coronavirus outbreaks in schools, and uniformity among districts.

Upcoming mask mandate

The Dutch government has released a set of guidelines to go along with the December 1 mask mandate. Beginning next Tuesday, everyone over the age of 13 will be required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

There are exceptions in some circumstances. For example, in primary schools; in buildings used for religious purposes; or when a person is sitting or standing still in one place, such as seated in the movie theatre or at a restaurant table.

Christmas “will be difficult”

In light of the slight upward trend in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is urging the public to be vigilant with current restrictions if they want to be able to move more freely by Christmas.

The prime minister says that the current figures are “not how you want it” at this time, but it is still too early to pass a judgement. “It is not yet possible to determine exactly how bad it is. We will keep an eye on that in the coming days.”

Restaurants could reopen mid-December

There is a possibility that restaurants may reopen in mid-December. The reopening will come with stricter conditions regarding alcohol sales and closing times. Staff and customers will be required to wear masks, and cough screens will need to be installed between tables. 

The government’s December 8 press conference is expected to bring more clarity.

An indirect vaccination obligation

With the promising development of a vaccine, officials in the Netherlands are now discussing whether or not vaccination will be mandatory, juggling views regarding personal freedoms, public safety, and herd immunity.

While parliament is still debating the best course of action, they are considering “nudging” people toward vaccination, by preventing non-vaccinated individuals from entering certain public buildings, such as concert halls and libraries.

“The cabinet will not be for coercion,” Rutte said, “but you can also nudge indirectly by stimulating people. That is really a medical-ethical point of view, we are currently considering that.”

The vaccine and airlines

The aviation industry is already making plans for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for travellers. International Aviation Industry Organisation (IATA) is developing an app to function as a type of coronavirus passport, expected to be available in early 2021. The app will quickly prove whether you been vaccinated or have tested negative for the virus.

Australian airline Qantas has announced that all international travellers will need to show proof of vaccination, and are deciding whether the same requirement will hold for domestic flights.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce expects they won’t be the only company with this plan. “I think we’ll see this with more airlines,” he says.

Increased testing

The government plans to greatly increase testing capacity by March. The goal is for every resident of the Netherlands to be able to be tested for coronavirus once per month. 

Testing will take place regardless of whether symptoms are present if the government can work out a plan. In order for this to happen, a number of details need to be sorted. Namely, training of personnel and expanding testing locations.

To stay up-to-date with all of the latest coronavirus news in the Netherlands, follow DutchReview on Facebook.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

Rise in school infections has Dutch experts calling for stricter measures

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Rise in school infections has Dutch experts calling for stricter measures

Secondary schools in the Netherlands are seeing a disproportionate rise in the number of students infected with coronavirus. One expert believes this is because schools need stricter measures.

Secondary schools are now the fourth highest source of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. Last week saw several outbreaks in classrooms across the country and the question of whether more measures should be implemented has arisen.

Pediatrician epidemiologist, Patricia Bruijning, told Nieuwsuur on Sunday that this comes down to many infections taking place under the radar. She pointed out that young people may be carriers of the virus without knowing:

“It is precisely from teenagers that we know that they often go through an infection without or with few complaints. That is why we suspect that a lot is happening under the radar.”

More testing and measures in schools

In order to prevent the further increase in the number of infections in schools, she believes more students need to be tested. On top of this, she argues that the measures that apply outside of schools need to also be implemented within schools.

“We have already taken a lot of measures outside the schools. If we want to go down with the numbers, I think we should also look at the schools.”

While she doesn’t see the maintenance of appropriate distance as feasible in schools, she does suggest that break times and classroom end times should be staggered.

More clarity needed from the OMT

The Trade Union, Teachers in Action, is in agreement with Bruijning. “There does seem to be more going on in schools when it comes to corona infections than was previously claimed” Chairman, Peter Althuizen tells the NOS. “A poll among our members shows that there is an urgent and compelling recommendation for additional measures.”

He believes that the arbitrariness of the current school measures has been much cause for confusion. Measures have been drawn up by both the union and the secondary education council but schools struggle with how and what to implement.

For the moment, the main protocol when there is an outbreak is for schools is to contact their GGD for advice. This results in different schools adopting different measures, a source of further confusion.

How do you feel about additional measures in schools? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. 

Feature Image: Thirdman/Pexels

Everything you need to know about the December 1 mask mandate

Brin Andrews
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Everything you need to know about the December 1 mask mandate

The Dutch government announced in a press conference several weeks ago that face masks will be finally mandatory in public spaces from December 1. The long-awaited mask regulation follows the cabinet’s “urgent advice,” which has been in place for months now.

Starting next month, if you’re found without a mask in public, you’ll be fined 95 euros. Nobody wants that, so we’ve broken down exactly what the regulations will mean, and found the answers to all your burning questions.

Where is a mask required?

Beginning December 1, everyone over the age of 13 will be obliged to wear a face mask in all public interior spaces. These include shops, museums, restaurants, theatres, petrol stations, bars, concert halls, station buildings and airports.

The mask is not mandatory if people have a fixed seat. For example, a face mask may be removed while seated in a theatre or cafe. Although, when standing up to leave or go to the bathroom, the mask must again be worn.

In buildings used for religious purposes, such as churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, a face mask is not required.

What type of mask is approved?

The face mask must cover the mouth and nose entirely. It should be designed specifically to prevent the spread of viruses (i.e., not a ski mask).

The government prefers people to purchase their masks in drugstores and supermarkets, rather than from medical companies, to preserve the medical-grade masks for healthcare professionals who need them.

A face shield is not to be used as an alternative to a mask, as it doesn’t completely cover the mouth and nose. The same goes for items such as a bandana or scarf.

Are there different rules in education?

Yes. People in schools and universities will be obliged to wear masks, with the exception of primary schools.

For all secondary and higher education, a mask must be worn while moving through the buildings. The mask may be removed during class, provided everyone is sitting or standing still. To be clear, teachers do not have to wear a mask when standing in front of the group but will need to wear it when moving about the classroom.

During gym class, dance, theatre, singing, and other forms of physical education, a face mask is not required.

And contact professions?

In contact professions such as the hairdresser or nail salon, maintaining 1.5 metres of separation is not realistic. For this reason, face masks are necessary. This applies to both the customer and practitioner.

Care providers such as physiotherapists and GPs will be exempt from the obligation, although in some cases they too will be asked to wear a mask.

Hospitals and care institutions will have the authority to apply their own rules regarding face masks and other personal protective equipment. These should be followed by patients, visitors and caregivers.

Who is exempted?

People who are unable to wear a mask due to disability or illness are not required to follow this obligation. Police and boas will retain the right to ask a person to demonstrate that they fit into this exception.

Face masks will also not be required during sports, acting, musical rehearsals and performances, or while speaking publically on the radio and TV.

Sex workers are also exempted from the mandate, and as mentioned before, so are visitors to places of worship.

Should I wear a mask before December 1?

For months now, a mask has been required for public transportation, and this will continue.

The government has also issued urgent advice for people to wear masks in other public spaces. Although, until the definitive starting date, the face mask is not mandatory and people cannot be fined. You can, however, expect a bit of public shaming from your peers.

How long will the regulations last?

The regulations are to apply initially for three months. An extension is possible, though as soon as the medical necessity has passed, the regulations will be withdrawn.

How are people responding?

Hart van Nederland conducted a survey to gather public opinion on the upcoming mandate and its exceptions. They found that 67% of their survey respondents think that churchgoers and sex workers should also be required to wear a mask. Only 32% think the exemption is justified.

General practitioner Felix van Wissel is disappointed with the new mandate. He believes that citizens should be able to make the choice for themselves whether or not to wear a mask. “Don’t start handing out fines for something that has not been scientifically proven,” says the doctor. “With this, men take a piece of freedom from the people.”

Sex worker Jorma Bos, on the other hand, is quite content with the upcoming guidelines. She says she was unable to work during the first coronavirus wave, despite demand from clients.

Although Bos doesn’t wear a mask while working, she remains vigilant with her clients. “I ask about their health and notice that many customers are also taking their own responsibility.” She no longer accepts appointments with tourists and takes her own precautions outside of work.

Do you agree with the Dutch government’s regulations on face masks? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Vaccination obligations and corona passports coming to the aviation industry soon

Emily Burger
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Vaccination obligations and corona passports coming to the aviation industry soon

Having a corona passport, which quickly proves that you have been vaccinated or tested negative for the coronavirus, will soon be introduced into the aviation industry. Some countries and flight companies will make vaccination a mandatory requirement for travel.

International aviation industry organization (IATA) is developing an app which will function as the corona passport. They expect it to be ready in early 2021, reports RTL Nieuws.

How the app will work

The organization already has an app used for checking if passengers have the right visas. Using this software, together with other aviation groups like IAG, under which British Airways belongs, IATA hope to develop the new corona passport app.

The organization claims that the app will not store data but will use Blockchain technology. For iPhone users, the app should be available for use in the first quarter of 2021, however Android users will have to wait until the second quarter.

Mandatory vaccination

Australian airline Qantas has announced that they will make it mandatory for travellers on international flights to be vaccinated, reports RTL Nieuws. They are yet to decide if they will require the same thing for domestic flights.

Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas, expects that many airlines around the world will begin to do the same, saying, “I think we’ll see this with more airlines.”

Aviation expert Joris Melkert of TU Delft explained that as private companies, airlines have the right to decide what rules they will apply for their flights, which is different to public transport, for example. Whether or not similar requirements will be introduced by Dutch airlines, is unclear. “For the time being this is not an issue in the Netherlands, but in our country this is a sensitive subject,” Melkert says.

Ethical discussions

Last week, parliament discussed implementing an ‘indirect vaccination obligation‘ in which those who are unvaccinated may be prevented from entering public buildings. Rutte argued in favour of this, saying that he would prefer that people get vaccinated voluntarily but that the public needed to be “nudged” towards vaccination in order to ensure that enough people got vaccinated.

Some MPs opposed this, saying that an indirect vaccination obligation would harmfully infringe upon individual freedoms. Public Health Minister Hugo de Jonge proposed that instead of tightening restrictions for those unvaccinated, measures should be loosened for those are are vaccinated.

Rutte acknowledged that the debate was an ethical one, which they would have to consider very carefully in the coming weeks.

What do you make of mandatory vaccination for air travel? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Anna Shvets/Pexels

Thierry Baudet steps down as leader of the right-wing Forum for Democracy

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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1
Thierry Baudet steps down as leader of the right-wing Forum for Democracy

Thierry Baudet has withdrawn himself as leader of the Forum for Democracy and also no longer wants to be the frontrunner for the upcoming Dutch elections in March. This comes after anti-semitic and homophobic messages were leaked from app groups by the youth branch of the FvD, which in turn caused a lot of friction amongst the top brass of the party.

“I’m relinquishing my place on the electoral list. I make my position available. I will stay in the Chamber,” says Baudet. The leader does want to remain involved in Forum, possibly as a lijstduwer (“list pusher,” a Dutch term describing the last candidate on a party list).

That is what he said on Twitter:

Party in crisis after anti-Semitic and homophobic messages were leaked

The direct reason for Baudet stepping down is the unrest in his party about the FvD youth section. The youth branch was severely discredited because anti-Semitic and homophobic app traffic had leaked out between members of the youth branch. Several prominent figures, including FvD’s number two, Theo Hiddema, are alleged to have demanded that the entire youth section would be shut down.

“No trial by media”

Baudet decided earlier, allegedly together with the party leadership, that there would be an internal investigation into the youth section. However, a large majority of party leaders believe that this is not enough. They also want the chairman of the JFvD, Freek Jansen, to step down altogether and give up his seventh place on the electoral list. Jansen is a confidant of Baudet.

Jansen finds it incomprehensible that people do not want to wait for this investigation, according to the NOS. “We are now threatening to throw people in front of the bus even before we know what has happened,” says Jansen. “I cannot agree with the situation where ‘trial by media’ is becoming the way we treat people in this party.”

Forum for Democracy had a strong presence in the polls two years ago. However, over the past several months, the party has been losing virtual seats due to political discord about the course of the party and flirts with conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists.

Feature Image: Elekes Andor/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

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