We rather would not have been here: a speech for the higher education protest

The Dutch version of this speech was read aloud by labour union board member Bas van Weegberg during a meeting in the 'Tweede Kamer' — the location of the Dutch House of Representatives — in the context of the cancelled higher education protest of November 14, 2024.

I rather would not have been here. I rather would have been with thousands of teachers and students in Utrecht [a centrally located university city in the Netherlands - Ed.]. The chance to let their voices be heard was taken away from them. It is deeply sad that it has been said that there are people who wanted to use violence to take over our protest. Consequently, the mayor of Utrecht could not guarantee our safety, which is why she has de facto prohibited our protest. By not standing firmly now, the mayor is inducing complete chaos. But let one thing be clear: We will never be silenced. Never, by nobody. 

We will never be silenced. Never, by nobody. 

We are thankful to the House of Representatives for their hospitality and for allowing us to present the programme we had prepared for today's protest here, in full. I would also like to say two things against the members of our parliament. First: We are not merely counting on your support with regard to allowing us to speak here today. We also count on your substantive support. When the budget of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is discussed, put an end to these enormous cuts. If you don't manage to do this in the House of Representatives, I count on all the political parties that have invited us here today to do this during the discussion of the budget in the Senate. 

Second: Don't take advantage of this to criminalise peaceful protesters. We stand firmly by our right to demonstrate and will not let ourselves be divided. Even though this is not a protest, I still would like to speak the words that I actually wanted to contribute on a stage in Utrecht: 

How? That is the million-dollar question. This cabinet [the composition of all government ministers - Ed.] says it values our knowledge-based economy, innovation, and democracy. At the same time, the cabinet announces historical budget cuts in higher education and the field of science. How can they? You already struggle with heavy workloads. Your social security already leaves a lot to be desired. Your jobs are insecure enough already.

What then? Companies cry out for professionals. Massive societal issues require research. Especially now, society would benefit from substantiated objection. But they decide to cut back the equivalent of one entire university. How can they? Or is the stifling of critical thought exactly their intent?

Is the stifling of critical thought exactly their intent?

Talking about critical thinking: the cabinet presents these cuts as a necessity. Our country would be on the edge of the financial abyss. That's why cutting into education, healthcare, the media and the government would be inevitable. There is apparently no alternative. Margaret Thatcher would be proud. We say: Inevitability is out of the question! Rubbish! As long as there is enough money for gifts for shareholders, there must be enough money for the future of this country. This is a matter of political choices. 

Do you know what also gets to me? The fact that a cabinet minister [Eppo Bruins, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science - Ed.], who has worked in academia himself, establishes himself as a neutral administrator. He "understands our pain", he recently said during an interview. If that is the case, then do something about it. Show some courage and say that you won't carry out this decimation. Or at least explain to us why this is apparently necessary. 

But sadly, he would not respond to our invitation to provide an explanation today. Also when we asked for a meeting earlier, we were met with silence. Eppo, stop hiding yourself! For the time being, we cannot depend on our minister, that much is clear. The people we can depend on, however, are all of you. That so many of you are supporting us today, bears witness to your love and courage. The courage to stand up for the role of science in our society. Love for your profession, for your students, for your younger colleagues who would love to move up in academia. 

You are not observing passively how this cabinet bashes its wrecking ball through our higher education.

You are not observing passively how this cabinet bashes its wrecking ball through our higher education. You are taking action. You should know that you do not stand alone. As the biggest labour union of this country, FNV supports you for the full hundred percent, for as long as it is necessary. We do this together with our partners — AOb, WOinActie and many others. Today is only the beginning.

This fight requires perseverance. The first hurdle will be the discussion of the budget in the House of Representatives. Will you have the courage to put an end to these budget cuts there? Or will the alliance between PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB keep its blinders on? After that, a discussion in the Senate might follow. Can we count on the CDA senators, among others, to make a sensible decision there?

I, in any event, count on you for our follow-up actions. And you can count on the FNV. Because we will continue as long as it is necessary. Until these budget cuts, and all of the other budget cuts in the public sector, are off the table.