AObFlags and caps add green accents amidst the red and purple of FNV and CNV. According to the organizers, some four thousand activists demonstrated in The Hague this afternoon against the cabinet’s plans for billions in cuts to social security.
Tekst
Michiel van Nieuwstadt – Redactie Onderwijsblad
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8 september 2026
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3 Minuten om te lezen
Protesters take shelter under umbrellas and a stately linden tree, but by the time the program starts, it is almost dry. Image AOb
The FNV calculated that about 70 percent of the cuts are still on the table, despite reports that emerged last week about concessions from the cabinet. ‘Jetten, stop stealing,’ reads a banner. Slogans are heard: ‘What do we demand? Security. When do we demand that? Now!’
Action and fries stands
The demonstration site on the Koekamp is sandwiched between the Malieveld and Central Station, in the shadow of ministry towers. Some activists have to move to the paths and benches surrounding it, sometimes right up to the water of the Prinsengracht. Demonstrators take shelter under umbrellas and a stately linden tree, but by the time the program begins, it is virtually dry.
This is stupid, unjust, and wrong
The major unions are present on the stage, along with demonstrating healthcare workers, civil servants, and cleaners. The parliamentary group leaders of BBB, SP, PRO, and 50Plus also step forward. “We are doing this for each other,” says FNV Chairman Hans Spekman. “Because the cabinet is still cutting billions from social security. That is stupid, unjust, and wrong.”
Postponement is not cancellation
RTL Nieuws reported early last week that the cabinet would largely reverse the cuts to social security. Also for the AOb was this reporting insufficient reason to suspend the actions.
Signal
“Postponement is not cancellation,” says AOb-board member Douwe van der Zweep. “The cuts to unemployment and disability benefits are not off the table, but are being postponed for a year to 2029. If we agree to this now, it will be almost impossible to reverse it later. That is why we have called upon our members to be present here in The Hague today if possible. We wanted to send a signal before Prinsjesdag. We did not opt for a full strike during these first crucial weeks of the school year for pupils and students.”
Lump in the throat
Biology teacher Ronald Weezenbeek from the Reynaert College in Hulst has come to The Hague from Zeelandic Flanders. With a lump in his throat, he says: “I am not standing here for myself, but for the future of the generation that many of those present brought into this world. My daughters in their twenties are vulnerable. If they end up unemployed, they will find themselves in a situation where they have to sell their house in no time.”
Activists follow a gold-painted carriage (in the background) with alternative budget plans for the Ministry of Finance. Image AOb
Mathematics teacher Roy Bolech at the Trevianum in Sittard is usually the one at his school who puts up the protest posters and speaks to the management when things aren’t going smoothly. “With my LD scale, I am on the right side myself. I stand here for others. The cabinet shouldn’t be raiding pots that we have all built up together.”
Bolech was able to come to The Hague today without having to send classes home. In his view, that would not have sent a good signal. “You don’t want to give students the idea right at the start of the school year that other things are more important than they are.”
They think it’s wonderful that I’m coming here for them today as well.
“Nonsense,” says Weezenbeek. He did, however, ask the team leader for leave on his teaching day. “He thanked me for standing here today doing my best on behalf of everyone.” He also explained this to the students in classes with cancelled lessons. “They appreciate that I am coming here for them today as well.”
Also in solidarity with the activists? Join the AOb
After the stage program, the activists depart for a tour past ministries and the House of Representatives. Leading the way is a gold-painted carriage displaying alternative budget plans for the Ministry of Finance. Shortly before the activists leave, singer Jake Monteiro, to the sound of a rousing beat, asks for a change not for hands, but for all flags in the air. “If they didn’t hear us by now, I don’t know what to say.”