4 days Ago
Amsterdam said it will not comply with the new rule. Housing Alderman Zita Pels said that the city would let refugees be the priority for social housing if necessary. Pels blamed the national parliament for turning its back on the vulnerable and said they were producing misery and chaos in asylum reception while doing nothing to solve the wider housing crisis.
Opposition Parties Criticise Discriminatory Measures
The amendment was criticised by many politicians. GroenLinks-PvdA member Habtamu de Hoop characterised the change as "dehumanisation" entering the law. The law has been "mutilated" and cannot "withstand the test of time", and it is contrary to the Dutch Constitution's prohibition of discrimination, Hans Vijlbrief, the D66 MP, said.
The law has been "seriously damaged", but solving the housing crisis is too important to pass by, said Pieter Grinwis MP for ChristenUnie. His party begrudgingly backed the law and hinted that its Senate members might seek amendments.
Senate, so on, that is the law, possibly without the support of the opposition
And despite the pushback, the bill will probably still prevail in the Senate. It is supported by the ChristenUnie and the current coalition VVD, NSC and BBB parties and also PVV, CDA, SGP, FVD and JA21.
Zita Pels backed Amsterdam's position, saying she will take all measures at her disposal as alderwoman to ensure refugees can stay and integrate in the city, while also ensuring priority access to housing if required. She stressed her pledge to that promise to the city council.
