Wilders' Spijkenisse visit rerouted over safety risks as mayor invokes legal powers
Geert Wilders' planned campaign visit to Spijkenisse on March 14 faces last-minute changes after Mayor Cor Lamers deemed the original route unsafe. The mayor has legally mandated a new path to prevent risks to public safety amid potential protests and crowded conditions.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Politician | Geert Wilders (PVV leader) |
| Location | Spijkenisse, Nissewaard municipality |
| Original Route | Uitplein/Uitstraat |
| New Route | Noordkade/Nieuwstraat or market |
| Reason for Change | Safety risks, spatial limitations |
| Legal Basis | Public Manifestations Act |
| Date of Visit | March 14, 2026 |
| Mayor | Cor Lamers |
The municipality of Nissewaard, led by Mayor Cor Lamers, is responsible for ensuring public safety during events like political visits. Under the Public Manifestations Act, the mayor has the authority to impose conditions or alter plans to mitigate risks to residents and visitors.
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Read the full translated article below
Adjusted route for Wilders' visit to Spijkenisse due to security concerns
PVV leader Geert Wilders announced earlier this week that he will visit Spijkenisse on Saturday, March 14. Mayor Cor Lamers of the municipality of Nissewaard has since stated that while Mr. Wilders is welcome in Spijkenisse, the planned route is not desirable. He has communicated this to the PVV and the security team.
The mayor considers the route via Uitplein highly unsuitable. Uitplein has many spatial limitations, is narrow in places, and serves as a through route. Given the presence of other local political parties with stalls on Uitplein, shoppers, and potential demonstrators, the risk to public safety is significant. Therefore, the mayor deems it irresponsible and has urgently requested the PVV to adjust the walking route, starting at Noordkade/Nieuwstraat or the market, but definitely not at Uitplein/Uitstraat.
The PVV did not comply, prompting the mayor to issue a decision under the Public Manifestations Act. This makes the mayor’s decision an official directive. Compliance with this directive is now a strict condition for Mr. Wilders’ campaign visit to Spijkenisse tomorrow.