'If Eppo doesn't listen, we have to make sure he listens'

| Jari Dokter

It is the 'day after' after an eventful day of protest on the Malieveld in The Hague. An estimated twenty thousand people demonstrated against the cuts in education. 'The turnout is far above my expectations. Everything around this protest cost pain and effort, but it was all worth it', says Kristy Claassen, one of the initiators of 'Twente for Protest'.

Claassen, who arrived at the Malieveld four hours later due to train delays, has several emotions left after the protest day. 'The turnout is far above my expectations. The turnout of people from Twente surprised me positively - as did the total turnout. It is nice to see that optimistic movement. I'm very excited about that.'

At the same time, Claassen is very disappointed in the response of Education Minister Eppo Bruins. He came on X on Tuesday with a response to the protests. The minister states in his message that the cuts in education will continue. 'Bruins comes with an emotional reaction to the protest, because he does not respond substantively to the actions taken. I think this is an old political technique. He doesn't listen to the people, that's so frustrating. It's time to talk to the people. If he doesn't want to listen, then we have to make sure he listens', Claassen responds. She hints at more actions if the desired result is not forthcoming.  

New protest

On Tuesday evening, the House of Representatives will debate the budget of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for the year 2025. The organizer of Twente for Protest is looking at the political developments this week with cautious optimism. 'I keep a close eye on the news. I am optimistic, but everything depends on the decisions that politicians make. A new protest is possible if the results are unfavorable. If there is a new protest, we will not start all over again. A lot of preliminary work has been done and that will certainly help,' says Claassen, still combative. 'We have gone through the most difficult phase.'

Focus

Despite Claassen's decisiveness, she believes that the focus should also be on reality again. 'We need to recharge, recover and take a break. These have been busy times for everyone. For now, the focus must return to studying and working at the university. For example, I have to complete my PhD this year. That doesn't mean that I'm no longer involved in 'Twente for Protest'. I will remain part of the protest group as long as it is necessary.' 

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