Visitors to the final debate that was held on Tuesday evening in the provincial government building in Den Bosch because of Wednesday’s elections were not allowed to leave the building for some time. They were told it is unsafe to go out on the street. Hundreds of farmers demonstrated outside. Around a quarter past eleven, most of the demonstrators had left and the people who had to stay indoors could go home.
Farmers had gathered with hundreds of tractors at the provincial government building. Their hooting and loud music could be heard all the way to the provincial government building. A light projection could be seen on the building with the text ‘never again – #vote them out’. There was a lot of security at the entrance of the building.
A number of activists carried inverted flags. There were also demonstrators who carried Forum for Democracy flags. Furthermore, the Future Farmers group, which is committed to sustainable agriculture, reported and there was a protest from the Stop Racism Platform.
The public was not allowed to leave
The debate ended around ten o’clock. The interested parties present were then told that they were not allowed to leave the provincial house because it would be unsafe. A corridor would have been formed to allow the politicians to leave.
According to a 112 correspondent, the atmosphere among the demonstrators was ‘friendly’. The police kept their distance and they did not have to intervene. Around a quarter past eleven most of the farmers had left. Their retreat led to a huge traffic jam at the entrance to the A2 motorway.
Responsible behavior
The municipality of Den Bosch had announced in advance that the farmers were given the space to demonstrate. “At the same time, we expect responsible behavior from the demonstrators. The final debate must be able to continue undisturbed, because it is part of our democratic process.”
“This is our last chance to convince voters not to vote for the established order,” said FDF leader Mark van den Oever from Sint Hubert at the beginning of the evening.