move by the beginning of next year

Political and business pressure mounts to clear Dutch Occupy camps

Wednesday 16 November 2011
Although none of the Dutch Occupy camps have yet been dismantled, political and business pressure is mounting for a clear-up, the Volkskrant reports on Wednesday.
Amsterdam’s mayor Eberhard van der Laan has said he would like the protestors camped outside the former stock exchange in the heart of the city to move by the beginning of next year.
‘It would be good if Occupy Amsterdam had moved to the Zuidas business park by the time we celebrate Sinterklaas (December 5),’ Van der Laan is quoted as saying.
Local business are also considering going to court to have the protest camp removed, the Volkskrant said.
Nationwide
In Arnhem, companies located next to the Willemsplein camp have also made a formal complaint, which is supported by VVD councillors. ‘The right to demonstrate is good but the tents are ruining the square,’ the party says in an open letter.
In Eindhoven, the city council has agreed a small group of protesters can remain on the Clausplein until November 29. However, VVD councillors say the Occupy camp is an event rather than a protest and that the demonstrators should be liable for costs.
In Nijmegen, however, mayor Thom de Graaf has said the camp of around 30 tents can remain in the Valkhof park for an unlimited period.

© DutchNews.nl