Eight arrested in Rotterdam residential demonstration | Inland

Under the motto ‘Houses for people, not for profit’, about 7,000 people from all over the country gathered in Rotterdam on Sunday for a protest called Woonopstand. It was the second major protest after Amsterdam last month, where 15,000 people gathered.

During the manifestation in the Afrikaanderpark there were various speakers, including people who have found themselves in a pinch in the current housing market. This was followed by a parade through South Rotterdam. Participants then walked via the Erasmus Bridge towards the end point of the demonstration at the Markthal in the center of the city.

Fifty people detained

During a demonstration on the Erasmus Bridge in the afternoon, the police had to intervene. A group of more than 50 people was detained by the police. They were taken away in an empty tram. Some of the protesters shouted that those arrested should be released.

The organizers said in advance they hoped for 10,000 to 15,000 demonstrators to participate. The demonstrators have formulated nine demands to improve the living situation. They demand, among other things, the right to affordable housing, greater availability of housing, more investment in public housing, less market forces and lower rents.

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