It can be explained that catering businesses in Breda ignored the corona rules on Saturday, says senior lecturer Ingrid Leijten of Leiden University. She is concerned about the declining trust in the government.
Can you explain why the flame hits the pan so often? Now catering establishments in Breda again did not adhere to the early closing time. Riots broke out in Leeuwarden.
Ingrid Leijten, PhD on fundamental rights: ,,We live in a democracy, but we are not used to experiencing how it works so directly. The government is constantly making laws and continuously taking measures, but in the corona time, measures are announced today that will take effect tomorrow and of which we immediately feel the consequences.
“Normally we are not bothered by restrictions on our fundamental rights, but now the power of the government quickly feels like a threat, even though we can of course still turn to our representatives in parliament or the courts.” ‘
“In this specific case – this usually applies to corona measures – these are measures that have political room for maneuver. There is not one right solution: the catering industry must close at 8 p.m., but that could have been roughly 10 p.m. This can happen randomly. It is becoming painfully clear in this day and age that even a democracy does not always function well, although it is still the best system we have.”
Where is it going wrong?
“In general: because we see fundamental rights as the right to equal treatment, inviolability of the body and other freedoms as absolute. That is not how it works in a society, where restrictions on fundamental rights are the order of the day. That cannot be otherwise, we should not immediately see that as a mistake by the government.”
“A corona pass is not by definition discrimination. Fundamental rights are used as a crowbar in the discussion, while in reality they really protect us, even with new measures. It would be good for citizens to know more about how fundamental rights and democracy work. That would save a lot of dissatisfaction.”
“On the side of the government, the strategy and communication could be better. A caretaker government must also do its job, but must then set out a concrete vision. Trust is also gained with steadfastness and straightforwardness. In the Netherlands we see that trust is lacking. In addition, we have just had an allowance affair. Moreover, we are heading for an ‘old’ coalition that does not seem to be making much work of a new administrative culture yet.”
If unvaccinated people are no longer welcome in certain places, then the government must have a very good story about it
How do you view mandatory QR codes and the coming 2G society? Will the resistance of some become even stronger?
“Until now, there has been no discrimination because someone who had not been vaccinated still had the choice of being tested. If unvaccinated people are no longer welcome in certain places, then the government must have a very good story to tell. Then you are talking about a more far-reaching violation of fundamental rights that requires a particularly strong justification.”
So?
“As a government, you shouldn’t want to get around that. Just admit that you go very far with this and substantiate with good arguments why this is necessary. This alone will inspire confidence and possibly prevent new confrontations with your own population.”
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