Minister Christianne van der Wal (Nature and Nitrogen) is shocked by the farmers’ protest that was at her house on Friday evening, especially because it affects her family. A spokesman for the minister reported this on Friday evening after the ‘visit’ of dozens of farmers. They left later in the evening. Police are currently guarding her home.
The farmers came to the minister’s house with their tractor on Friday evening in protest against the nitrogen plans that the cabinet announced on Friday.
Van der Wal talked to the farmers, but at some point she said she wanted to go back inside. “I received you close to my private house. I had a very good conversation and received you.” Meanwhile, her children were inside shaking, she says.
When the conversation with the farmers present became too threatening for the minister, she indicated that it is “just done now”. But a farmer who wants to talk to her further points out that the minister will also come to our yard with her plans. “We also have children, where should they go right away?” he asks her.
The minister’s spokesman said late on Friday evening that Van der Wal understands the farmers, “also because she gave a strong message today. She always wants to talk, but not at her family’s home or near her home. cross a line, that’s unacceptable”.
According to the spokesperson, the minister will speak to the farmers on 22 June when they start campaigning in The Hague. “That’s the place, after all.”