Thousands of uniformed Dutch military booed outside parliament today as they held a demonstration. Soldiers and defence civilian staff marched on The Hague to protest against a one billion euro-cut in the defence budget and its consequent 12,000 compulsory redundancies.
The harshest criticism went to the Christian Democrats and conservative VVD party. During the protest, VVD MP André Bosman said that concessions were necessary and not much can be done about the cuts.
Chants of "It’s stupid to want this" and "This can’t be" came in response. Getting a particularly poor reception was the statement by Bosman, a former Air Force staff member, that there should be no illusion a career in the military could be lifelong.
Small rightwing religious SGP party leader Kees van der Staaij applauded the protestors. “We must stop firing on our own army,” he said.
Military staff do not actually have the right to strike. Many therefore took the day off to attend the demonstration, while others were given leave.
(kh)
Email this Article
Printer-friendly version
Let's get real. The Chinese practically own the Western World as we know it. We make them richer ever day, and will soon no longer be able to afford even our own toilet paper. We play war, they play economics.
There are too many soldiers in the Netherlands, a tiny country with no need to support and feed a big army. Let them all work and produce useful things for the country.
"Let them all work and produce useful things for the country."...one could say the same about people on welfare. There are too many on welfare in a tiny country like the Netherlands. Let them work and produce useful things for the country. You are right but lets not cut the military budget first. If, you don't have a strong military, who is going to defend you? Germany or France, maybe? They will both be the first to load you on the Cattle cars to Tilburg.
I agree. The people who defend your country should be the last people that loose their jobs. Stop funding needless immigrant programs and others that promote social decay. Stand up for the rights of working family units. These, after all are the foundation for a healthy society.
Stop cutting from those who support and defend your country. You care more about supporting those who do nothing for your country. Stop supporting immigrants both legal and illegal. You support those who care nothing about the Netherlands and you punish those who put their lives on the line for you. March with them. Show them your support. If you must cut, cut from them last.
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.