The housing protest in Zaandam announced for this afternoon has started. Last week, the mayor took the decision to restrict the demonstration because of the safety risks for shoppers. After proper consultation, the demonstration will take place today in an adapted form. Earlier, the protest was canceled because the organization was afraid that radical activists would disrupt things.
NH reporter Tom van Midden is present at the demonstration. According to him, there is a friendly atmosphere in the city center of Zaandam. “Fair is fair: the turnout is lower than expected.” The pre-planned 300 demonstrators are by no means all present, he estimates it to be around 100.
Son living at home
Among those 100 men is Zaankanter Ron. He expresses his dissatisfaction with the housing shortage in ‘his’ Zaandam. “I am accompanying my son. He has been looking for a home for years, but it is simply impossible with this situation.” His forty-year-old son is forced to still live at home with his parents because he cannot find suitable accommodation.
On Saturday afternoon, the demonstrators walk from Stadhuisplein via a special route to the Burcht, where their action march ends in the parking lot. The activists are shouting slogans and demanding better housing options for Zaandammers.
Lots of police
Tom van Midden: “What is striking next to the demonstration is the presence of many police. The police are also present on horseback.” Various political parties are also present at the demonstration. For example, representatives of parties such as the Pirate Party, SP and ROSA are participating.
Although the municipality was afraid of disturbances in advance, today’s demonstration process did not cause any problems.
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