Weeks before the Netherlands' crucial October 29th general election, violent clashes erupted in The Hague during a right-wing demonstration. Hundreds of protesters, many clad in black and waving flags, took to the streets, demanding stricter asylum policies. The demonstration quickly spiraled into chaos as rioters clashed with police, vandalized property, and blocked major roadways.
The violence reached a fever pitch when protesters targeted the offices of the centrist D66 party, causing significant damage. D66 leader Rob Jetten denounced the attacks on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the intimidation tactics and emphasizing the party's unwavering commitment to their political ideals. He noted the presence of protesters carrying a modified Dutch flag, a symbol associated with the pre-war NSB Nazi party, highlighting the concerning extremist elements within the demonstration.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the rioters, who responded by throwing objects at officers and even setting a police vehicle ablaze. While immediate reports didn't specify the number of injuries or arrests, the sheer scale of the violence is deeply alarming.
The unrest also impacted a major highway, the A12, which connects The Hague to Germany's border, causing significant disruption. A smaller group attempted to breach the currently-renovated Dutch parliament complex, but police successfully prevented their entry.
The caretaker Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, strongly condemned the actions, describing the violence as "completely unacceptable" and expressing confidence in the authorities' ability to bring the perpetrators to justice. Even Geert Wilders, the anti-Islam lawmaker whose party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition triggered the early election, denounced the rioters, calling them "idiots" and "scum". However, the incident underscores the deep political divisions and rising tensions within the Netherlands, casting a long shadow over the upcoming election.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/netherlands-right-wing-violence-ahead-of-election/
