The municipality of Oldhambrecht in the northern Netherlands has refused to grant permission to erect a nine-meter statue of Vladimir Lenin in the village of Ostfold. The municipality believes that its permanent installation could cause new controversy.
The authorities of Oldhambrecht have confirmed that they will not grant permission. According to a representative of the municipality, the statue could cause social division and many negative reactions. In addition, the authorities believe that the nine-meter structure is too large. Although the initiators of the project have the right to appeal this decision.
The initiators argue that the purpose of the statue is not to glorify Lenin, but to present the history of communism in the region, in an appropriate explanatory context.
They consider the statue important for attracting visitors to the planned historical and cultural center and intend to appeal the refusal.
