A right-wing protest in the Netherlands descended into violence on Saturday as groups of rioters faced off against police and vandalised the centrist D66 party’s premises in The Hague. The disturbance, unfolding with the general election just weeks away, has sharpened concerns over political instability in the country.
Several hundred protestors, many dressed in black and displaying flags, assembled to demand tighter asylum regulations. Tension escalated rapidly. Projectiles flew at officers.
A police car burned. In response, officers deployed tear gas and used water cannon to force back crowds. According to Dutch media, individuals also targeted the D66 party office during the turmoil. No immediate details about arrests or injuries have surfaced.
Rob Jetten, leading the D66 party, issued a firm denunciation: “Scum. You keep your hands off political parties.” He continued, “If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take our beautiful country away.”
A subset of the rioters headed for the Dutch parliamentary complex, which remains inaccessible due to long-term renovation works. Police maintained barriers, denying entry to the largely empty area and preserving order at the perimeter.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof described the night’s events as “Shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence in The Hague, after a demonstration got out of hand,” labelling the acts “completely unacceptable.” He expressed faith in law enforcement’s capacity to bring perpetrators to justice.
The incident comes just before the national elections scheduled for 29 October, after Geert Wilders’ party exited the coalition in disagreement over migration policy. Wilders condemned those responsible for barricading roads and confronting police, calling them “idiots” and “scum.” Figures from across political parties have strongly criticised the violence.
– Ends