THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Thousands of Dutch students demonstrated Friday against cuts to university budgets and increases in fees, moves proposed by the government as part of its multi-billion euro austerity package.
Many universities canceled classes Friday and chartered buses to allow students to attend, while professors in black gowns protested near Parliament.
Police were on guard for possible violence but by the afternoon, 11,000 students had arrived, Hague police said on Twitter, with many more still arriving and a "cozy atmosphere."
"We will do everything we can to ensure it goes smoothly," said Sander Breur of the student union.
The government has said budget cuts will be matched by investments aimed at improving the quality of education. Under the new proposals, students who take more than two extra years to complete their degree will have to pay an extra €3,000 ($4,000) per year in fees — and so will their university or college.
Universities say that will lead to 7,000 jobs lost this year, though the Cabinet disputes that.
"At a time when we have to save €18 billion ($24.25 billion) ... we also want to invest in education and to do that we have to ask for an extra contribution from students who study for a long time," said Education Minister Halbe Zijlstra.
Zijlstra was to address the demonstration, along with opposition lawmakers and student leaders, from a large stage set up in The Hague's central Malieveld park.
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