A massive protest against immigration in the Netherlands ended with violent clashes, burning police cars, and an attack on the progressive party D66 headquarters.
A protest against immigration and the reception of asylum seekers in the Netherlands erupted into violent clashes in The Hague on Saturday, leaving behind scenes of destruction.
The incidents included police cars being set on fire, tear gas used by security forces, and attacks on the headquarters of the progressive party D66.
Around 1,500 people gathered in Malieveld, a traditional site for demonstrations in the political capital. The rally was organized by the right-wing Christian group Els Rechts, initially promoted as a peaceful call for “less immigration, fairer housing distribution, and greater transparency in public policies.”
However, shortly after it began, several protesters blocked a nearby highway, prompting the police to intervene with water cannons. Violent groups, many hooded, threw stones, sticks, and bottles at police vehicles, with at least one patrol car set ablaze.
The mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, issued an emergency order authorizing the use of tear gas. Riot police dispersed the demonstrators, who split into smaller groups and continued to cause disturbances throughout the city center.
The D66 party headquarters became one of the main targets: several windows were smashed, and a dumpster was set on fire outside the building. Protesters also shouted chants such as “AZC, weg ermee” (“Asylum centers, out with them!”) and “Wij zijn Nederland” (“We are the Netherlands!”).
Symbols associated with the far-right were also displayed, including the orange-white-blue flag historically linked to the NSB party, as well as banners referencing slain leaders and activists such as Pim Fortuyn and American Charlie Kirk.
The event, which had authorization until 5:00 p.m., was suspended earlier due to the violence. Police have not yet confirmed the number of arrests or injuries.
These incidents come amid the heated campaign for the October 29 general elections, where immigration and asylum policy have become central issues following the government’s collapse in June. Parties across the political spectrum are seizing on the debate, highlighting the growing social tensions surrounding the future of migration policy in the Netherlands.
