A quiet Dutch community is facing increasing division over plans for a new asylum seekers center, with residents voicing strong opposition to the proposal. The debate has sparked protests, including a demonstration with hundreds of participants and the display of flags bearing anti-AZC messages.
The controversy centers on the municipality of Molenlanden, where officials are considering a location on Koggeplantsoen for the center, which could house up to 251 asylum seekers. The plans do not include accommodations for Ukrainian refugees, but are specifically intended for those applying for asylum in the Netherlands.
In Nieuw-Lekkerland, approximately 150 Dutch flags have been hung, many displaying slogans such as “Anti AZC” and “AZC weg ermee” (“AZC away with it”), according to Rijnmond.nl. A petition against the center has already garnered nearly 3,000 signatures.
Residents have expressed concerns about the impact of the center on their community. Locals living near the proposed site on Koggeplantsoen voiced worries, stating that many in the area are elderly or vulnerable, questioning why the location was chosen.
On February 9, a demonstration was planned in Nieuw-Lekkerland to protest the asylum seekers center. Prior to that, on February 2, an information evening in Nieuw-Lekkerland drew a crowd of 1,500 protesters, with participants using flags, torches, and music to express their opposition, as reported by Gelderlander.nl. A car procession from Nieuw-Lekkerland to a town council meeting was similarly organized to further demonstrate opposition to the plans.
A prayer meeting was also held in Nieuw-Lekkerland regarding the potential arrival of the AZC. The growing unrest highlights the challenges municipalities face when addressing the country’s asylum seeker housing needs.
