Manifestation 14 November in Utrecht cancelled due to safety concerns

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13 November 2024

Unions AOb and FNV have decided to cancel the planned nationwide demonstration against higher education budget cuts on 14 November in Utrecht.

This decision follows an urgent recommendation from the mayor of Utrecht, the police, and the Public Prosecution Service. According to the local safety council, the security of participants cannot be guaranteed.

Reaction Executive Board
The Executive Board of VU Amsterdam respects the decision to cancel the demonstration but finds it extremely disappointing that they, along with the many students, lecturers, and staff who intended to participate, are now unable to make their serious concerns about the planned budget cuts visible in this way. "The impact of these cuts on the quality of our education and the future of our university and academic community remains a critical issue, and we sincerely hope that there will be an opportunity to voice these concerns together at another time." The Executive Board is also exploring other ways to draw attention to the concerns about these cuts.

It is currently unclear if and when the demonstration may take place in an alternative form. In a statement, AOb and FNV noted: "The organisations are currently considering how to make the serious concerns of thousands of people about the budget cuts visible. It is clear that, in the lead-up to the Education, Culture and Science budget discussions scheduled for the week of 25 November, we will continue to call for attention to these cuts in higher education." Caspar van den Berg, chair of Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), also expressed in a statement that they are considering alternative ways to oppose the government's plans.