Some 200,000 rally against Dutch austerity measures

AMSTERDAM (AFP) - Some 200,000 people rallied in Amsterdam against the govenrment's controversial austerity and reform measures in the city's biggest demonstration in two decades.
The demonstrators protested measures by the centre-right government of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende aimed at reducing early retirement entitlements, putting back the retirement age and reforming the social security contributions system from next January.
"There weren't as many people during the demonstrations here against nuclear weapons in 1981," said police spokeswoman Elly Florax.
The country's three leading labour union groups, the FNV, CNV and MHP, organised the demonstration, with participants from all over the country rallying in the city's Museum Square.
Protest banners and tee-shirts read "the cup is full", "the Netherlands deserve better," "No to longer working hours".
The unions said they hoped the success of the demonstration would persuade the government to re-think its plans.
The government coalition also plans to introduce changes in the system of invalidity benefits and health insurance.
It says the measures are required to revive the sluggish economy and keep the social security system going.
"I've problems believing these arguments," said Paul Sonke, a 40 year-old professional psychologist who took part in the rally along with his daughter.
"I do not find fair a health care reform that recompenses those who are not ill while those who are ill get nothing. People don't choose to be ill."
Teachers Yt and Margo criticised what they called the lack of solidarity in government politics.
According to latest opinion polls, 60 percent of Dutch oppose the reforms, although nearly 50 percent regard them as necessary.
Social Affairs Minister Art Jan de Geus said Friday he was willing to reopen talks with the two sides of industry on aspects of early retirement reforms.
Following Saturday's rally, the head of the one of the coalition partners, the centrist D66 party, called on the government to resume negotiations with unions.
But the head of the VVD liberal party, second strongest in the coalition, critcised the unions, accusing them of sticking their heads in the sand when faced with the problems.
Reforms to welfare support and health coverage, as well as a freeze on civil service salaries and the minimum wage, have sparked a wave of discontent across the Netherlands.
The Dutch institute for budget information (NIBUD) has estimated that all residents will suffer an erosion in purchasing power next year, with those in ill health especially affected.
The last time Amsterdam drew such a crowd onto the streets was in 1981 at the height of anti-nuclear demonstrations.
Last month tens of thousands marched through the streets of Rotterdam, the world's largest port, to protest the reforms.
The city's dockers went on strike for the day as did public transport workers in Rotterdam and The Hague.
Trade unions said 60,000 people marched against the government proposals on the eve of the presentation of 2005 budget.