THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Tension flared in the heart of The Hague this weekend as thousands gathered for a right-wing, anti-immigration protest, just over a month before the country’s snap general election. What began as demonstrators demanding stricter asylum laws erupted into violence, drawing police response with tear gas and water cannon, according to Reuters.
Organized by activist Els Rechts, the demonstration saw many waving Dutch flags and symbols associated with far-right groups. Videos broadcast by NOS showed mobs hurling bottles and stones, setting a police car ablaze, and temporarily blocking a highway near the protest site.
Protesters also smashed windows at the office of the centre-left D66 party, seen by many on the fringe as emblematic of an out-of-touch political elite.
Meanwhile, a smaller group attempted to penetrate the fenced-off parliamentary area currently under renovation, but were stopped by police.
Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the outbreak of violence as “completely unacceptable,” and emphasized that political intimidation will not succeed. D66 leader Rob Jetten denounced the vandalism and threats.
Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, long leading in the polls and central to political tensions did not attend, though he harshly criticized those involved, calling them “idiots” and “scum.”
As the October 29 election looms, the unrest underscores sharp divisions over immigration and asylum policy. With the current governing coalition having collapsed earlier this year in part over migration disputes, this protest is yet another volatile sign of what appears likely to be a fiercely contested campaign.
