Netherlands: controversy over corona law
The Dutch government wants to anchor the emergency measures against the pandemic in the country's law. Critics of the "coronavirus law" fear they will no longer be able to take legal action against the measures. The pros and cons are reflected in the commentaries.
We will be deprived of our joie de vivre
De Volkskrant columnist Bert Wagendorp staunchly opposes the law:
“The introduction of the legally regulated one-and-a-half-meter society conveys the impression that social distancing is the solution to the problem and is therefore legitimate. But this is not certain. ... The law on the Covid-19 measures is based on doubt, ignorance and unproven assumptions. And on the fears of those in power. ... The new law will do even more damage to the economy, culture, gastronomy and - more generally - the joie de vivre of the Dutch. ... This law is draconian, undemocratic and unsound. It must be prevented.”
Government must reassure critics
Trouw, on the other hand, believes the law is necessary and voices concerns about its implementation:
“It's true that the government is quickly drafting a new law for the event of a second outbreak or a new dangerous virus. ... But the law now threatens to attract all possible forms of rejection against the one-and-a-half-metre society like a magnet. Including protests against restrictions in restaurants and concert halls, or the opposition of groups that doubt established science, such as the anti-vaxxers. ... In order to gain social support in the fight against the virus, the government must find an answer to this opposition.”