An estimated 20,000 students, lecturers, and university staff held a protest rally in The Hague on 25 November to voice their resentment over the Dutch government’s plan to slash €1 billion from higher education funding. The cuts, which include eliminating grants for young researchers, have ignited widespread opposition, with critics warning of dire consequences for the country’s educational and economic future.
The protest comes just days ahead of a critical parliamentary debate on the proposed budget cuts. While the lower house of parliament appears poised to back the government’s plan, the upper house, or senate, has signaled growing opposition. According to news reports, a majority in the Senate is now against the measures, following their earlier rejection of proposals to raise value-added tax on culture, sports, and books.
Voices of Concern
Demonstrators contend that the proposed policies jeopardize the Netherlands’ reputation as a global leader in education, urging the government to reconsider its stance. Public appeals, including a widely circulated open letter, stress the critical role of preserving international diversity and nurturing innovation within the higher education sector.
The backlash has been fierce among academic leaders and local officials. Floor Vermeulen, mayor of Wageningen and chairman of the Dutch Knowledge Cities Network, described the cuts as “extremely irresponsible” and “damaging for the future of the Netherlands.”
Universities have already begun feeling the strain. Both Leiden and Utrecht have announced reductions in course offerings, citing the anticipated funding shortfall. Other institutions are expected to follow suit, potentially limiting academic options for students nationwide.
Some pictures from the demonstrations:
