Dutch king greeted with boos, cheers as he opens parliament

King Willem-Alexander was greeted with cheers but also loud booing as he gave his annual Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day) speech to parliament. In it, the sovereign outlines the government's plans for the coming legislative period on the third Tuesday of September. 

The speech was delivered at the Royal Theater in The Hague this year, rather than the traditional Knights Hall, which is currently being restored.  

In his speech, the king acknowledged growing discontent among the country's citizens, especially when it comes to politics. 

Referring to recent public opinion polls, he said: "It is worrying that people in a mature democracy like ours are losing faith in the power of government and management to resolve issues. We live in a time of contradictions and uncertainty. People's uncertainty about tomorrow and the more distant future is growing."

In a speech largely written by the ruling government, the king said: "The Cabinet realizes that the Dutch are critical about the functioning of the political and administrative system. At the same time a large majority is still satisfied with the functioning of democracy."
 
Willem-Alexander touched on anger over energy prices, lack of affordable housing and the government's climate plans. 

"One direct result of the war and international sanctions against Russia is that gas, electricity and food have become much more expensive. That's why the Cabinet decided on an unprecedented, substantial package of more than €18 billion euros ($18 billion) especially for low and middle income [families]. But even then," he continued, "not all price increases can be fully offset for everybody." 

Rare public jeering of Dutch royals

The event also marked a return to public festivities along the route between the royal palace and the Royal Theater after the interruption of COVID-19 restrictions.

As the king traveled by antique coach with his wife Maxima and their 18-year-old daughter, Crown Princess Amalia, who attended the event for the first time, they were greeted by cheering fans, many sporting the traditional orange of the family.

Yet malcontents along the route also jeered the family, holding national flags upside down in protest, much as they have in protest to the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Farmers have been furious, for instance, about new nitrogen emissions rules they say will put them out of business.

The royal family stepped out onto the balcony of the royal Noordeinde Palace after their return from the Royal Theater, yet here, too, the booing was impossible to ignore.  

Tuesday's events were an important step for Crown Princess Amalia, who has begun participating in official events now that she is of adult age. Although she has just started her university studies, for instance, she is scheduled to visit the Netherlands' Caribbean territories with her parents next spring.

Willem-Alexander assumed the throne in 2013, when his mother Beatrix abdicated after 33 years as queen.

js/jcg (AFP, dpa)