Right-Wing Protest Turns Violent in The Hague Ahead of Elections
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By Eliza Teasdale | THE HAGUE – 2025/09/21 07:44:54
A demonstration described as right-wing spiraled into violence in The Hague, Netherlands, on Saturday, as rioters clashed with law enforcement and damaged the office of a political party. The unrest occurred just weeks before the country’s general election.
According to reports, police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, who responded by throwing objects and setting a police vehicle on fire. While initial reports did not specify injuries or arrests, Dutch media outlets reported that rioters also targeted an office belonging to the centrist D66 party.
The ANP, a Dutch news agency, stated that approximately 1,500 demonstrators protesting against immigration blocked the A12, a major highway connecting The Hague to Germany.
Rob Jetten, leader of the D66 party, condemned the violence on X, stating, “Scum. You keep your hands off political parties… If you think you can intimidate us,tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take our stunning country away.”
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Jetten also noted that some demonstrators carried the Dutch flag with an orange stripe instead of red, a symbol associated with the pre-World War II Dutch Nazi party (NSB).
The politician added,”And all this in the name of ‘we are the Netherlands’. No… this has nothing to do with the Netherlands. it is pure intimidation. don’t let the loudmouths win. It is indeed the positive forces that build a better country.”
A smaller contingent of rioters reportedly attempted to reach the Dutch parliament complex,which is currently undergoing renovation and is fenced off.Police prevented them from accessing the area.
The demonstration,attended by hundreds expressing support for stricter asylum policies,devolved into violence.
Caretaker Prime Minister Dick schoof condemned the events on X, calling the attacks on police and the D66 office “completely unacceptable” and expressing confidence in law enforcement to bring the rioters to justice. He described the images as “shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence in The Hague, after a demonstration got out of hand.”
The unrest occurs in the lead-up to the Oct. 29 general election,triggered by Geert Wilders’ withdrawal from the ruling coalition due to disagreements over migration policies.
Wilders himself issued a statement condemning the rioters’ actions, especially the highway blockade and attacks on police, labeling them “idiots” and “scum.”
“Shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence in The Hague, after a demonstration got out of hand,”
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the violence in The Hague?
The violence was triggered by a right-wing demonstration against current asylum policies,which escalated into clashes with police and vandalism.
Why is the general election being held?
The general election was called after Geert Wilders withdrew his party from the ruling coalition due to disagreements over migration policies.
What measures did the police take to control the riot?
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the rioters, who were throwing objects and setting fires.
