Tensions ran high in The Hague on Saturday as anti-immigration demonstrators clashed with Dutch police. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds, with approximately 1,500 individuals blocking a major highway. The protest saw a police car set ablaze and resulted in 30 arrests, with two officers sustaining injuries.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the violence, calling the scenes “shocking and bizarre” and “completely unacceptable.” Geert Wilders, a prominent right-wing politician whose party has seen significant electoral success, condemned the actions as the work of “idiots.” The protest was reportedly organized to advocate for stricter migration policies and increased restrictions on asylum seekers.
The demonstrators also targeted political property, vandalizing the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party. D66 leader Rob Jetten condemned the damage, stating, “If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take away our beautiful country.” Fortunately, no individuals were present in the D66 offices at the time of the incident.
This event follows a period of political instability in the Netherlands, with the government having collapsed earlier in the year after Wilders’ party withdrew from the coalition amidst disputes over migration policy. These disputes were fueled by Wilders’ proposals for stricter asylum measures, including halting applications and limiting family reunification.