Dutch politicians responded with outrage and annoyance to the farmers’ protests over the past week and the vandalism that often goes with them. Parliamentarians called on Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgöz to respond. Road workers finally cleaned up the debris of overnight protests, reopening the last closed onramps - to the A1 at Oldenzaal - at around 10:00 a.m.
The left-wing parties in the Tweede Kamer have called for an urgent debate with Ronald Plasterk about the state of affairs in the Cabinet formation. Plasterk has been leading talks with the PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB about forming a new government, but NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt surprised everyone by announcing his party was pulling out of negotiations. Centrist parties also expressed dismay.
Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma said she is opposed to the arrival of Australian radical Islam preacher Mohamed Hoblos in her city, she said on Thursday. "I believe that if someone makes such extreme statements, he should not be given a platform in Utrecht. In our city there is always room for dialogue and expression, but not for calls for violence and hate speech. We are in contact with the Jaarbeurs and the security services about the meeting and its intent."