Universiteit Leiden

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Criticism from doctors about current coronavirus policy

Criticism from doctors in the Netherlands about the policy to combat coronavirus is becoming louder. A letter raising their concerns was signed by one thousand doctors. It calls for a new debate on the current measures to deal with the crisis which were recently tightened. Supporters of the letter believe that the measures are disproportional and that the cure is worse than the disease.

Wim Voermans, Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law in Leiden: ‘If the government wants to take measures that restrict freedom, that limit constitutional rights, then approval is required from parliament. This is what I object to with the measures to combat the coronavirus as they currently stand. The new proposed legislation to deal with the coronavirus will provide that basis of approval. But it is questionable if we need to go that far. In general, according to a large group of freedom thinkers like philosopher Stuart Mill, more can be achieved if you appeal to the own responsibility of citizens instead of laying down mandatory provisions.’

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