Violence Erupts at Anti-Immigration Protest in The Hague

An anti-immigration protest in The Hague turned violent on Saturday, raising concerns just over a month before the Netherlands holds its general election.

Local authorities reported that police used tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowd amid escalating tensions.

The demonstration, organized by right-wing activist “Els Rechts,” called for stricter migration policies.

The organizer expressed regret, stating, “If I had known this in advance, I would never have organized it,” in a post on X.

Details of the Protest

Footage from Dutch public broadcaster NOS revealed that many demonstrators, including members of far-right groups, were seen throwing rocks and bottles at police forces.

Violence escalated further as rioters damaged an office belonging to the centrist D66 party.

D66 leader Rob Jette responded, asserting, “If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let our beautiful country be taken away by extremist troublemakers.”

The situation remains fluid, with no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests yet.

Upcoming Snap Election in the Netherlands

This unrest coincides with the preparation for a snap election scheduled for October 29 in the Netherlands.

The election was called after far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his party from the ruling coalition over disagreements regarding migration policies.

Wilders condemned the violence, labeling the protesters as “thugs” and stating, “Blocking the highway and violence against the police is totally, absolutely unacceptable. Idiots.”

Conclusion

The recent violence in The Hague highlights escalating tensions in Dutch society ahead of the approaching election. As political divisions widen, citizens and leaders alike are left to grapple with the implications of such unrest.

Published: 2025-09-20 15:57:00 | Source: www.dw.com