Political backing is essential for independent investigations and the protection of threatened officials. Now it’s there.
The Minister of the Interior leaves no room for doubt: locally elected representatives deserve the full support of the cabinet. The Ministry published this statement on their website following investigations by stichting Justice for Prosperity and Pointer (KRO-NCRV). Together, we documented how the Defend movement grew from 2 to 35 groups in a matter of months, how members spread far-right ideology, and how violence and (indirect) threats were not always avoided.
The Minister now explicitly commits to supporting local authorities when they face serious disruptions or threats. On far-right ideology, he is unequivocal: it must never be allowed to become normalised.
We thank the Minister and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations for this clear and firm stance. A limited mandate will remain a challenge, but explicit political backing is an important step forward. Our democracy needs this at every level, including the local.
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