What consequences will Rutte's slavery apology have?
Almost 150 years after slavery was abolished in Dutch colonies, Prime Minister Mark Rutte has officially apologised to the descendents of the estimated 600,000 people who were enslaved. Commentators discuss what should follow after this apology.
This can only be the beginning
The Dutch public is slowly becoming aware of the injustices that have been committed, De Volkskrant writes:
“In this light the apology can be seen as a tremendous success for the activists who have demanded it for so long, and thus as an end to the process. The recipients themselves prefer to speak of a beginning. Or a comma, as Rutte himself said. Because apologies cannot remain without consequences.”
Be aware of your privileges!
The Dutch must be made aware of the privileges they still enjoy today as a result of colonialism, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung argues:
“To this day, their country benefits from its wealth in the 'Golden Age', which was earned by such dire means. Uncomfortable debates are helpful, because such insights cannot be brought about by decree. However, we should not lose sight of the most important thing: that, as Rutte said, the shameful past 'has had a huge impact' on equal opportunities today.”
Election campaign could annul impact
The impact of Rutte's apology is questionable because the Netherlands is very divided on this issue, NRC Handelsblad notes:
“Right-wing populist Geert Wilders apologised on Twitter for Rutte's apology. And no doubt he will make it clear in the Chamber of Representatives just what he thinks of it. Also to throw a spanner in the works of Rutte's centre-right VVD, because the election campaign is starting: provincial elections are scheduled for March. And it's far from certain that the more conservative section of the VVD's voter base also thinks the apology is such a good idea.”
Belgium refuses to look in the mirror
On the day of Rute's apology, a parliamentary committee in Belgium set up to deal with the country's colonial past ended its work without reaching a consensus on an apology. Belgium's King Philippe has expressed regret during visits to Congo, but has avoided using the word "apology" - out of fear of demands for reparations, observers suspect. Journalist Bart Eeckhout vents his frustration in De Morgen:
“Oh man, this is not about you or me. It's about acknowledging historical suffering and starting the conversation about the future of equals. ... It is bitterly ironic that on the day of the Belgian 'No' the Dutch prime minister made a clear and open apology for slavery in colonised territories. ... Even the talk of reparations is nothing more than a refusal. A refusal to look in the mirror so many decades later.”