The first opportunity for residents of Velsen-Noord to fire on the mayor about the asylum ship that may remain in their village for longer, was only used by a handful of people. “Because the decision has already been made, people have stayed at home. They are tired,” says one of those present. “I heard him clearly say last time: March 1 is March 1. He does not adhere to it. I have lost confidence in politics.”
In June during a protest meeting against the arrival of the boat, a shed on the quay was still overflowing with Velsen-Noorders. “Back then people still had the idea that there was something to be gained,” says a man. “Now everyone assumes that the decision has already been made.”
In Velsen-Noord, a survey has been spread about staying or leaving the asylum boat. It’s just not binding. According to the municipality, about twenty percent have already completed it for tonight. After day one that was already eleven percent. “I think many people will fill it in just before the deadline (Sunday, February 26, ed.).”
“Whether it matters what we say here? We have yet to see”
“There are more security guards than civilians”, one after the other visitor sees this evening in De Stek, the meeting center near the Silja Europa, the boat where a thousand refugees are taken care of. 25 people have signed up and that’s it. A few security guards, two boas, two police officers, a contingent of municipal officials and at least one plainclothes officer are having a quiet evening tonight.
More security guards than civilians
Mayor Frank Dales is busy immediately after his arrival: not infrequently someone raises his voice in his neighbourhood. “What does Velsen-Noord get in return for the shelter?” they ask him. “Why isn’t a deal just a deal and why doesn’t the ship leave on March 1?”
“I think it has long been decided that the ship will stay, that’s just a fact,” says someone. “That’s absolutely not true, that’s why we’re doing the survey,” Dales counters. He speaks softly. His cheeks turn red, he sips his coffee and patiently answers all questions.
“I think it has long been decided that the ship will stay, that’s just a fact”
Peace pipe with some goodies
Then the Velsen-Nordic Jopie Nijman (70) opens the conversation with the mayor. She also thinks that the ship should leave. “We started off on the wrong foot, I’ve come to offer you a peace pipe, will you join me for coffee?” Dales takes the figurative pipe and says, “Shall I bring a treat then?”
Simon Blom stands at a distance and calmly waits for his chance to address the mayor. He won’t invite the mayor for coffee anytime soon. He throws his hands up slightly and shrugs: “Whether it matters what we say here? We’ll have to see.”
A deal is a deal
But then why come? “I want to tell him that a deal is a deal,” he says, with irritation clearly audible in his voice. “I have nothing against those people, but the shelter here is not possible. I know that some people now feel unsafe in the village due to the presence of men from the boat.”