Dutch police used teargas and a water cannon to control violent anti-immigration protesters in The Hague on Saturday, authorities said. The unrest occurred just over a month before national elections.
Police arrested thirty people, and two officers were injured during the clashes. Authorities are reviewing camera footage and have not ruled out further arrests.
Thousands joined a protest organized by a rightwing activist demanding stricter immigration policies and tighter asylum rules. Many carried Dutch flags and banners linked to far-right groups.
Footage from local broadcasters showed protesters throwing rocks and bottles at police. A police vehicle was set on fire, and a group briefly blocked a nearby highway.
Several windows at the headquarters of the centre-left D66 party were smashed during the unrest. D66 leader Rob Jetten condemned the attacks on the party. He wrote on social media that extremists would not intimidate political parties and pledged to defend the country against violence.
A smaller group of protesters attempted to reach the Dutch parliament complex. The building is currently fenced off for renovation and was not damaged.
Geert Wilders, the anti-migration populist who won the previous election, was invited to speak at the demonstration but did not attend. Wilders continues to lead in opinion polls ahead of the 29 October vote.
He condemned the violent actions on social media, calling attacks on police “utterly unacceptable” and labeling those involved as “idiots” and “scum.”
The protests highlight growing tensions over immigration in the Netherlands, with far-right groups pushing for stricter policies and opposing current asylum rules. Authorities warned that any further violence would result in swift action.
The use of water cannons and teargas by police shows a firm response to the unrest. Despite the arrests, authorities remain vigilant as more footage is reviewed to identify additional participants.
This incident comes amid heightened political activity in the lead-up to national elections. Anti-immigration sentiment has been a major campaign theme for rightwing parties. Demonstrations like this could influence public opinion in the coming weeks.
Police and government officials emphasized the importance of peaceful protests and called on all groups to avoid violence. The clashes underline challenges the country faces in managing political expression and public safety simultaneously.
Observers noted that while the protest started peacefully, violence escalated quickly, raising concerns about security and political stability. The government urged citizens to report any unlawful behavior and cooperate with authorities.
As the Netherlands prepares for its upcoming elections, both police and political parties remain alert to prevent further clashes and maintain order. The anti-immigration debate continues to be a polarizing issue in Dutch society.
