Netherlands: Dutch police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent anti-immigration protesters in The Hague, as clashes left two officers injured and 30 people in custody.
According to police figures, around 1,500 protesters blocked a major highway crossing the city, set a police car on fire, and hurled rocks and bottles at law enforcement officers.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the unrest, describing the ‘shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence’ as completely unacceptable.
Right-wing leader Geert Wilders, who won the previous election and continues to lead in polls ahead of the October 29 vote, was invited to speak at the demonstration but did not attend. Wilders also denounced the attacks on police as utterly unacceptable and attributed them to idiots.
The protest, organised by a right-wing activist group, demanded stricter migration policies and tougher measures on asylum seekers. Violence escalated as groups of protesters, waving Dutch flags and flags linked to far-right organisations, confronted police forces.
Protesters also targeted the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party, smashing windows. D66 leader Rob Jetten called the damage extensive and urged demonstrators to stay away from political parties. Rob Jetten added on social media platform X, stating that, “If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take away our beautiful country.” Party officials confirmed that nobody was present in the offices during the attacks.
The Netherlands government collapsed in June after Wilders withdrew his far-right PVV party from the coalition over disagreements on migration policies. His proposals included halting asylum applications, freezing construction of reception centres, and limiting family reunification. The coalition had been in power for less than a year.
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