Despite strong public opposition, the Dutch city of Zwolle has approved plans to build an asylum seekers’ center (AZC) in the Stadshagen district. The facility, scheduled to open in 2027 in the new De Tippe neighbourhood, will accommodate up to 400 asylum seekers.
The decision comes as Zwolle is required under the national spreidingswet (distribution law) to host nearly 650 asylum seekers overall. With several existing reception centres set to close, the city council viewed the new AZC as a necessary measure to meet its obligations.
Tensions ran high during Monday’s council meeting, held at the Overijssel provincial house to allow space for more members of the public. Emotions quickly escalated in the gallery, with angry residents shouting in protest and accusing the council of ignoring them. Some left the room while shouting, calling the meeting a farce. Mayor Peter Snijders repeatedly called for calm but struggled to maintain order.
Outside the building, hundreds gathered in protest. PVV leader Geert Wilders addressed the crowd, denouncing the government’s asylum policy and questioning the decision to place a reception centre near homes, a school, and a train station. “As far as I’m concerned, the time for accepting this is over,” he said.
Of the ten parties represented on the Zwolle council, only the local Swollwacht party voted against the plan. The other nine parties approved it after negotiating certain conditions, including a cap on the number of residents and the establishment of a neighbourhood police post.
Although the decision is now final, many residents feel their concerns were brushed aside. The heated atmosphere both inside and outside the council chamber underlined the deep divisions the issue has caused in the community.
