‘There are still squatted houses in Amsterdam…”, that is the shocking gossip recently reported in the Dutch media. Is the zealous mayor of Amsterdam such an incompetent politician in matters of housing policy and in cracking down on squatters? These last years, the city of Amsterdam did evict numerous squats but failed in eradicating our political structures, in making squatting history.
Not only squatters and activists, many individuals are daily becoming conscious and organized, building networks, taking action, sharing skills, bringing out solidarity here and there. The State could erase the (legalized) social centers from the map, call out extraordinary laws, reopen re-education camps (read – feed us more television). People would still have the will to throw down the State, disrupt the money making machine.
End of April, fiscal paradise the Netherlands will finally reach world news with a fresh new young king. The media and various intelligence services are already trying to decrypt early signs of a popular revolt, starving as they are for sensation. That makes it no surprise this racist local government has no intention to lift a finger for the migrants squatting a church these last months. Opportunist politicians feeling concerned about undocumented people only brings more anger against the apathy of the State.
Business is going on as usual in Amsterdam. Housing corporation Ymere has big plans, reshaping and gentrifying the Transvaal neighbourhood, first with a massive crane flattening down ‘only’ two entire blocks. Pretending to entertain or educate us, Ymere and the city are prolific in useless projects and costly events on the Steve Bikoplein. At least, we know what tax money and rents are used for. […Lees verder]
April 2013 Joe’s Garage Program
Events listed all around the Netherlands:
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