Photo Guy Ackermans This week Wageningen did the strike against the Governments of the Netherlands decision on budget cuts on education, and I thought: where do protests go?
After reading an article by Louisa Parks, associate professor in Political Sociology at the University of Trento in Italy, I realized protests are fundamental to shape democracy. In the article the author highlights the fact that protests have historically been a pressing force for the creation of more inclusive democracies in social, environmental, and economic moments of crisis. In the context of recent climate crises, protests have been painstakingly shaping governance and policies. However, in most cases protests can be easily deflected and defused by governments and institutions. For example, by creating ad hoc spaces for public debate, yet without including the participants in the decision-making process.
In the context of recent climate crises, protests have been painstakingly shaping governance and policies
Striking against the government’s decision on cutting billions of euros in education is just the first step of many other instances that will take place in this fight. The current problem on the budget cuts stands on grounds of power asymmetries and a rather selected groups of politicians deciding for everyone in the Netherlands. Therefore, the aim of the protest is to demand for equitable participation of citizens and protagonists realistically representing society and education. Also, indisputable access to organized spaces for conjunct and direct co-creation of transparent, accountable, and flexible legislation and decision-making.
Striking and saying ‘yes’ to our education, is already a great first step. Let us not forget as John Lennon’s song says: ‘Power to the People’.
Willy Contreras-Avilés (34) is a second-year PhD candidate in Horticulture and Biochemistry of medicinal cannabis, from Panama. He likes to dance (perrear), cook Italian food, and swim.
