Carnival associations and flower parade organizers in the Netherlands are sounding the alarm about new regulations that threaten their existence.
Group leader Caroline van der Plas and Member of Parliament Cor Pierik of the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) have therefore submitted parliamentary questions to the minister for clarification about these stricter rules for floats. The tightened rules, introduced by the previous cabinet, include mandatory MOT inspections for float trailers and increased insurance costs. These measures put carnival associations under great financial pressure. Various associations indicate that participation in parades is no longer feasible under these circumstances. The BBB therefore fears for the continued existence of traditions such as the carnival parade.
Caroline van der Plas and Cor Pierik emphasize the importance of local traditions that give the Netherlands color. They state that unclear and absurd rules drive associations to high costs and speak of "typical Dutch patronizing". The party wants to know from the minister why these rules were introduced and how the associations involved were informed. In addition, they ask for attention for the disproportionate impact on small village associations in provinces where carnival is the beating heart of the community.
The parliamentary questions focus on various aspects of the new regulations. For example, Van der Plas and Pierik want to know whether the minister is aware of the news item from L1. They also ask whether the minister is aware of the concerns of carnival associations about the new safety rules for floats and how these concerns are assessed. They also ask about the consequences of the new rules for these associations.

Another point of concern is the possible loss of traditional floats, often with historical and cultural heritage, which are now in danger of being scrapped due to the high costs of complying with the new rules. The BBB asks the minister what steps are being taken to prevent this. In addition, the minister is asked whether she shares the concern that the new rules will have a greater impact on regions with smaller carnival associations, such as in Limburg and Brabant, where carnival is an important cultural tradition.
The party informs also the number of carnival associations that can no longer participate in parades due to the tightened rules and whether there has been sufficient and timely communication to the associations concerned about the upcoming changes in the regulations. It is also asked whether all relevant parties were aware of the deadline and the costs associated with the new rules.
An important question is whether the Minister shares the concern that this regulation could harm traditional, locally anchored events, such as carnival parades, and what is being done to prevent this. In addition, inquiries are made about possible alternatives for carnival associations to retain floats without having to deal with extra high costs for inspections and adjustments. Finally, the BBB asks what broader effects the Minister expects from this regulation on other events in the Netherlands that use floats, such as flower parades or fruit parades, or similar vehicles.