Mayor Femke Halsema has explained the much too busy demonstration against racism on Dam Square on Whit Monday. Councilors had critical questions, but a majority supported the mayor. VVD party chairman Marianne Poot had, as she announced earlier, tabled the no-confidence motion. The motion received insufficient support during the debate.

Previously, there was applause and drumming on the pots and pans of dozens of protesters at the start of the city council meeting. They had to ensure that Mayor Halsema felt supported. Sylvana Simons from BIJ1 called the emergency debate a piece of theater. During the debate, more than 10.000 people gathered in the Nelson Mandela Park to demonstrate against racism.

“Let me just drop the door, this debate is nothing more than a game of bullying. I have often been targeted by this kind of thing and I can smell it from a mile away, ”said Simons.

apologies from Halsema

At some point, Halsema seemed to be under pressure during the debate, but apologizing to the council and the people of Amsterdam was enough for most councilors not to support the vote of no confidence. ChristenUnie group chairman said he was happy with the apologies that Halsema previously offered. A majority of the city council thought the vote of no confidence went too far. After hours of debate, the vote of no confidence was therefore rejected, which was only supported by VVD, the Forum of Democracy and the Party of the Elderly.

Also read: Adapted National Remembrance Programs