For the first time in years, threats against politicians in local water authorities, municipal, or provincial politics have decreased, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior since 2022. However, the incidents are perceived as more severe.
This decline is noteworthy amid reports of threats against local politicians in municipalities like Montferland and Winterswijk. A study by research agency Ipsos I&O indicates that women in local politics particularly perceive threats and intimidation as severe, feeling that aggression targets them personally.
Theo Segers, mayor of Molenlanden since 2020, previously faced threats during his tenure in Staphorst, recalling an incident where individuals forced entry into his home. He now supports fellow mayors through the Resilient Governance Network.
Hilde Westera coordinates a team supporting local politicians, noting the importance of proactive engagement. Despite the decrease, she expresses concern about the personal focus of threats, particularly towards women.
Threats have not yet led to significant shortages in local councils. John Verstappen, a councilor in Leiden, emphasizes the changing political climate and aims to focus on serving others, unaffected by threats seen elsewhere.
Source: NOS