THE HAGUE — Clashes have erupted between Dutch police and anti-immigration protesters in a violent confrontation that signals a deepening and dangerous divide in the Netherlands over the country’s immigration policies. The riot, which saw police use tear gas and water cannons, has plunged the nation into a state of political turmoil just weeks before a critical general election.
The violence unfolded in The Hague on Saturday, where thousands had gathered to demand a crackdown on asylum seekers. What began as a large but peaceful demonstration quickly spiraled out of control as a faction of protesters threw bottles and rocks at officers, set a police car on fire, and vandalized the headquarters of the center-left D66 party. In response, police deployed riot control units, a water cannon, and tear gas to regain order. At least two officers were injured and approximately 30 arrests were made, with authorities not ruling out more.
The unrest is a powerful symptom of a nation grappling with its identity. It comes just a month before a snap election on October 29, which was triggered by the collapse of the governing coalition after far-right leader Geert Wilders pulled his party from the administration over disagreements on migration policy. Wilders, whose party is leading in opinion polls, has made a promise to drastically reduce asylum for refugees a central pillar of his campaign.
The political reaction to the clashes was swift and sharp, highlighting the stark divisions in the country. Wilders himself, who was invited to the demonstration but did not attend, condemned the violence on social media, calling those involved “idiots” and “scum.” Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the attacks on law enforcement “absolutely unacceptable,” while D66 leader Rob Jetten vowed, “We will never let extremist rioters take our beautiful country away.” Meanwhile, Frans Timmermans, the leader of the Labour-Green alliance, cast the scenes as “Trumpian conditions, fueled by politicians who sow fear and division,” urging citizens to make their voices heard.
For a nation long known for its stability and progressive policies, the violence serves as a stark warning. The riots are a powerful and visible manifestation of the raw political anger simmering beneath the surface, fueled by an election that has placed immigration at the very center of a battle for the country’s future.