VVD critical of political support for the Sterrebos occupation | 1Limburg

In a parliamentary meeting, VVD member of parliament Teun Heldens pointed out that a large majority has approved the felling of the Sterrebos for the expansion of the VDL Nedcar car factory.

Also read: Last activist arrested, Sterrebos occupation over

Democratic majority
Heldens does not think it is possible that parties then glorify the activists who climbed the trees and call them ‘heroes’ as the Party for the Animals calls them. “What’s the point of democracy if you consider your right to be more valuable than the opinion of a democratic majority,” said Heldens.

He said his party took the position of GroenLinks and the PvdD very seriously and had considered a motion of censure. Heldens stated that the right to demonstrate applies to everyone, but that it is something different than lowering yourself to illegal means to get your right and get attention.

‘heroes’
Party leader Pascale Plusquin of the PvdD acknowledged that she had called the activists ‘heroes’, but at the same time emphasized that she does not support violence, not even against activists. Party leader Thea Jetten of GroenLinks believed that everyone has the democratic right to appeal and go to court. “But we do not support illegal actions,” said Jetten.

The VVD member of parliament received support from Forum for Democracy. Group chairman Ruby Driessen pointed out with a wink that his party is also regularly accused of undermining democracy. “That’s why I would say equal monks, equal hoods”, Driessen explained.

rigid
The PvdA called the position of the VVD very rigid. Party chairman Jasper Kuntzelaers also called the action illegal and very different from going to court. “At the same time, activists sometimes look for boundaries. So there are margins and it is difficult to say where the hard dividing line lies,” argued Kuntzelaers.

D66 party leader Marlou Jenneskens as a person had difficulty with the tone in which the VVD raised the issue.