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Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), pushed back against King Willem-Alexander's Christmas speech, following the monarch's direct appeal to Muslim and Jewish citizens in the country.

"The Netherlands is ours, proud of our culture, our customs, our traditions—it is our country,” Wilders posted on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the king’s televised address. The statement reflects Wilders’ hardline stance on national identity and immigration, which has been a cornerstone of his political platform.

King Willem-Alexander, in his traditional Christmas message, addressed growing societal tensions, speaking directly to Muslims and Jews in the Netherlands. “To Dutch Muslims, I say: this is also your country; this is also your land,” the king said. He called for mutual understanding and unity among Dutch citizens of all faiths and beliefs, stating, “Christians, Jews, Muslims, humanists, atheists, or however you stand in life—every person is equal.”

The PVV’s election victory last month, which saw Wilders' party emerge as the largest in parliament, has led to increased unease among Muslim citizens. Many have expressed feeling alienated by the party's anti-Islam rhetoric and policies, including calls for banning the Quran and closing mosques.

Pieter Omtzigt, leader of the New Social Contract (NSC) and a coalition partner in the newly-formed government, praised the king’s address, taking a contrasting position to Wilders. “A beautiful, clear, and inspiring message from the king about our society and living together,” Omtzigt said.

A massive fire broke out at a tire storage facility on Wednesday evening in Bergen op Zoom, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting safety warnings for nearby residents. The fire, which started around 8:30 p.m. at the industrial complex on Kruisakkers, was brought under control roughly four hours later, but firefighters continued to extinguish smoldering remains into the early hours of Thursday.

The Midden- en West-Brabant Safety Region advised residents in the surrounding area to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems due to heavy smoke drifting northeast toward Halsterseweg.

Officials also warned of soot particles falling on cars, garden furniture, and other outdoor surfaces, advising residents to handle larger particles with gloves and dispose of them in waste bins. Smaller particles could be washed away with water, followed by thorough hand washing with soap and water.

The cause of the fire remains unclear. A spokesperson for the safety region confirmed that no one was inside the storage facility at the time of the blaze. “We have no indication of injuries, and the flames have not spread to adjacent businesses,” the spokesperson said.

Despite these reassurances, the flames caused significant damage to the tire storage building, which is part of a larger business complex. Nearby establishments, including Carglass and Toolstation, also sustained some damage. Firefighters deployed around ten fire engines and used an aerial ladder to fight the blaze from above.

The fire department escalated the incident to a “very large fire” status to marshal additional personnel and equipment. “Our priority was to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building,” a fire department spokesperson said.

Thick smoke from the fire was visible from miles away and caused alarm among residents. Measurements were conducted to determine whether hazardous substances were present in the smoke, but no immediate health threats were reported.

As the fire grew, spectators gathered near the scene to watch the unfolding incident. Traffic controllers were deployed to manage onlookers and keep the area clear for emergency vehicles.

Although the exact cause is still under investigation, initial reports suggest the possibility of an electrical short circuit.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his condolences to the people of Suriname following the death of Desi Bouterse, the controversial former president and military leader of the South American nation. However, Schoof withheld any direct message of sympathy for Bouterse himself, citing the former leader's responsibility for atrocities during his time in power, including the December Murders of 1982.

"My thoughts are with all Surinamers, particularly the relatives of the victims of the December Murders," Schoof said. "Bouterse’s memory will always be shaped by his role in those horrific events." Schoof also supported Surinamese President Chan Santokhi's call for calm, urging “rest and dignity” in the aftermath of Bouterse’s death.

The circumstances surrounding Bouterse’s death remain under investigation in Suriname. According to the Surinamese police, unknown individuals transported his body to his home in Leonsberg from an undisclosed location. A resident of the house informed police of the body’s arrival during an early-morning visit.

Authorities were first alerted to Bouterse's death shortly after 5 a.m. local time on Wednesday. A doctor summoned by the police found no signs of foul play during an initial examination. However, the body was seized following consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine the exact cause of death.

Bouterse, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year for orchestrating the December Murders, never served his sentence, having evaded justice by fleeing. The killings, which took place at Fort Zeelandia, resulted in the deaths of 15 political opponents of Bouterse's military regime. "His death has left many emotions in Suriname and here in the Netherlands, especially among the victims' families," Schoof said on social media.

Reactions to Bouterse’s death highlight the deep divisions in how he is remembered. VHP Nederland, the Dutch branch of the Surinamese governing party, issued a statement acknowledging the polarizing nature of Bouterse's legacy.

"Desi Bouterse is remembered by many as a controversial figure due to his role in historical events that left deep scars," the organization stated. "For some, his leadership is associated with injustice and pain, particularly related to the December Murders and the military dictatorship."

The group called for "respect and dignity" during this period of mourning and urged Surinamese society to reflect on the country’s tumultuous past. "Only through openness and understanding can Suriname turn the pain of the past into a united and sustainable future," the statement added.

Bouterse, who also faced drug trafficking charges, was convicted in absentia by a Dutch court in 1999 for involvement in a cocaine smuggling operation. The strained relations between the Netherlands and Bouterse's administration persisted for decades, with the former leader frequently criticizing the Netherlands as Suriname's former colonizer.

Prominent figures in the Netherlands with ties to Suriname expressed mixed feelings about Bouterse's death. Attorney Gerard Spong, who was involved in investigations into the December Murders, described the news as "ambivalent."

"Bouterse was a man with a lot of blood on his hands," Spong told ANP. "It’s deeply frustrating that he avoided earthly justice by remaining a fugitive. He held Suriname hostage for 40 years and caused enormous suffering. I do not mourn his death."

Spong, who lost friends and colleagues in the 1982 killings, called Bouterse’s death "a bitter end to a painful chapter."

Journalist Noraly Beyer, who produced a documentary on the December Murders two years ago, also shared her conflicted emotions. "There was justice from the courts, and now there is justice from a higher power," she said. "It’s a relief that the man who caused so much harm is gone. But it’s also unsatisfying because he never served his sentence."

Beyer noted the importance of answering lingering questions about Bouterse’s final days. "Where was he hiding? How did he die? These answers are important for the victims and their families," she said.

Bouterse’s death also prompted calls for societal healing. VHP Nederland emphasized the need for Suriname to focus on reconciliation and justice. "We must continue advocating for democracy, transparency, and human rights in Suriname," the group said.

The Surinamese police have urged the public to refrain from speculation and to await the results of the ongoing investigation. "We ask for patience and calm as we work to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bouterse's passing," the statement read.

On Wednesday, King Willem-Alexander used his annual Christmas address to confront the growing polarization in the Netherlands, urging citizens to reject hate, discrimination, and violence. He emphasized the need for unity, respect, and resilience in a time of rising societal tensions, highlighting fears among Jewish and Muslim communities and calling on all citizens to uphold the nation’s core values of equality and tolerance.

The full translated text of the Dutch king's 2024 Christmas speech from Huis ten Bosch palace follows:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people," the angel said to the shepherds on Christmas Eve. That is good news for all the people. Christmas does not exclude anyone. Everyone is welcome and belongs, including you. You too.

God's Son comes into a broken world and brings us peace. Looking at the many fractures in our world, one can intesely long for that peace. We are so far from it at the moment.

The tensions are palpable, internationally and domestically, and that makes us restless. "Where do you find support? Who can you trust?" Many people feel misunderstood, unwanted, unprotected.

In Amsterdam, students from the Jewish school Maimonides spoke about what it is like to have lessons in a place that is secured with fences. How they prefer to keep a low profile on the street, and in the tram.

Being yourself and simply showing who you are peacefully: This should be self-evident for everyone in the Netherlands. But it is not.

In Vlaardingen, my wife and I spoke to a group of Palestinian-Dutch people. Sixty years ago, the first of them arrived in our country to work in a margarine factory. They built their lives here, together with their children and grandchildren. They told us about their fear for the fate of family members in their country of origin. About their helplessness and despair.

Again and again I am touched by the personal pain that resonates in the stories. What can be done about it? Solving the major world problems and the bitter conflicts elsewhere is beyond our power. But does that make us powerless? No, it definitely does not!

Because what we can do is ensure that we do not import bitterness and hatred into our streets. Resilience against everything that drives us apart.

It starts with respecting the basic rules that apply here in the Netherlands. Every person is equal before the law. Discrimination is not allowed. And we do not use violence, not even when we feel hurt or misunderstood. These principles are not open to debate or discussion, and they apply to everyone, always.

To those who feel distressed, I say, "Be resilient and do not let yourself be discouraged. Be proud of the contribution you make to society! Realize that you are of great value."

To Jewish-Dutch people who tell me they have doubt about their future here, I say, "Stay! We belong together."

To Dutch Muslims, I say, "This is also your country; this is also your country."

In this country, everyone is free to find solace and inspiration in their own faith or life philosophy. Everyone is free to express themselves. Christians, Jews, Muslims, humanists, atheists, or whatever your position in life. Every individual is equal. We do not have to share each other's beliefs and opinions, as long as we realize that others, just like us, are people of flesh and blood, and with recognizable emotions:

Concern for the safety and future of your children;

Anger about injustice done to you;

Sadness at the loss of someone you love;

Uncertainty about yourself;

The need to be seen by others;

The great happiness of friendship.

Everybody recognizes this. “What are your fears? What are your dreams?” Our answers to that are not so different.

As soon as we see each other's pain and each other's desire, there is room for understanding. And understanding creates connection. In all our differences of opinion, let us also look for the humanity that brings us together.

Communicating does not always have to be via mobile phone, mouse or megaphone. If you ask people what they value positively in another, you never hear, "He has such a fantastic opinion of his own." You hear completely different statements. "He is always there for me," "He understands me so well," or, "She is such a good listener."

In that attention for each other lies our ability to alleviate some of the pain of others – and thus also of ourselves. Christmas – the celebration of new beginnings – invites us to fully utilize that capacity.

Paul the apostle gave simple advice in his letter to the Romans: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." If we take this to heart, we will be a little bit closer to a more beautiful world.

I wish you all – wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances – a blessed Christmas.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander told those living in the Netherlands that the country is not to be used as a proxy battleground for conflicts taking place elsewhere in the world. The country is one in which everyone is equal, regardless of religious affiliation or a lack of belief, and that people must not “import bitterness and hatred” and bring it into “our streets,” he said during his national Christmas address.

The king’s annual speech often promotes unity among the country’s diverse population groups. However, his Wednesday address from Huis ten Bosch palace was perhaps his most pointed and focused.

While acknowledging that global conflicts and challenges are beyond the control of individuals, the king urged citizens to take a stand against "importing bitterness and hatred" into their neighborhoods. "What we can do is ensure that the bitterness and hatred from elsewhere do not infiltrate our streets," he said.

"The tensions are palpable, both internationally and domestically," the king said. "Many people feel misunderstood, unwanted, unprotected. Where do you find support? Who can you still trust?"

The king emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of every individual, citing examples of rising fears among Jewish and Muslim communities in the Netherlands.

In a poignant moment, King Willem-Alexander referenced his recent conversations with Jewish students at Amsterdam's Maimonides school. "They shared what it is like to study in a place secured with fences and how they feel the need to remain inconspicuous on the street or in public transport," he said. "Being yourself and peacefully showing who you are should be self-evident for everyone in the Netherlands. But it isn’t."

The king also highlighted the stories of Palestinian-Dutch families he met in Vlaardingen. These families, some of whom arrived in the Netherlands 60 years ago as migrant workers, expressed fear and helplessness over the plight of their relatives in their homeland. "Time and again, I am moved by the personal pain reflected in these stories," the king stated.

He called on the Dutch people to uphold the nation's core principles: equality before the law, zero tolerance for discrimination, and rejection of violence. "These principles are not open to dialogue or debate and apply to everyone, always," the king said.

The monarch offered words of encouragement to communities who feel marginalized. To Jewish citizens considering leaving the Netherlands, he said, "Stay. We belong together." Addressing Dutch Muslims, he affirmed, "This is also your country."

The king underscored the universal emotions shared by all people—worry for their children’s safety, anger at injustices, and the need for connection. "What are your fears? What are your dreams? Our answers to these questions are not so different," he said.

King Willem-Alexander reflected on the power of empathy, encouraging individuals to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." He described simple acts of kindness, such as listening and being present for one another, as ways to heal collective and individual pain.

The address ended with the king extending his wishes for peace and hope. "I wish you all—wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances—a blessed Christmas," he said.

Former Surinamese president and military leader Desi Bouterse has died at the age of 79, according to reports from multiple Surinamese media outlets, including De Ware Tijd and StarNieuws. The family is reportedly preparing an official statement confirming his death.

Bouterse’s body has reportedly been transferred to Paramaribo. Large crowds have gathered at his residence in Leonsberg and the National Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters in Geyersvlijt following news of his passing. Online NDP forums are also flooded with condolence messages, with many expressing disbelief.

Bouterse first rose to power in 1980 after leading a military coup. He ruled Suriname under a military regime until 1988. Following democratic elections, he returned to power as president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015. His presidency lasted until 2020.

In December 2023, Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the December Murders of 1982, in which 15 political opponents of his regime were executed. He was not present at the sentencing and subsequently went into hiding. Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest, signaling international efforts to apprehend him.

Rumors of Bouterse’s death initially circulated on social media, including a video announcing his passing. However, NDP spokesperson Ricardo Panka told the Suriname Herald that no official confirmation had been received at that time. The reports gained traction as various media outlets began citing credible sources, and by Wednesday morning, multiple outlets confirmed the news.

Key News Suriname reported receiving a tip about his death around midnight, leading to widespread speculation. While details surrounding his death remain unclear, the NDP and Surinamese authorities have yet to release further information.

Bouterse’s death comes after a year of legal and political turmoil. Following his sentencing in 2023, Surinamese police issued a nationwide alert for his capture. Despite his fugitive status, Bouterse continued to make statements to the media.

In an interview with LIM FM shortly after his sentencing, Bouterse claimed the government was open to offering him “special facilities.” President Chan Santokhi refuted these claims, emphasizing that no exceptions would be made under the law. Santokhi stated that the execution of the verdict remained the responsibility of the Public Prosecution Service.

Bouterse also indicated he was in discussions with his attorney about a possible request for clemency, but no formal application had been filed. “It would be improper to make unfiltered statements while in talks with the highest leadership, in this case, the president,” Bouterse said at the time.