Floris Müller, chairman of the association De Republic, demonstrates against the monarchy during King’s Day. He does that at the route where the royal family will walk.
“We are not going to spoil the atmosphere. We are going to celebrate a party, with the theme ‘Willem the last’,” Müller promises. “As far as we are concerned, the royal couple will stop and we will have a democratic republic in the Netherlands. That is why we are going to wave him goodbye,” he promises.
Green light
The municipality of Maastricht has allowed the demonstration, as it was previously announced. However, there is still consultation about the exact place where the group may demonstrate. “We respect the right to demonstrate. However, we are still looking at some preconditions that have to do with safety on that day,” says a spokesperson for the municipality.
Also read: Republicans demonstrate against monarchy on King’s Day
Arrest
The Republic, formerly known as New Republican Society, was previously in the news when former chairman Hans Maessen from Roermond was arrested by the police during the throne change in 2013. Maessen then demonstrated alone in the gathered crowd with a sign with an inscription in which he opposed the royal family.