On Saturday, September 20, 2025, an anti-immigration protest in The Hague escalated into violence, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police forces. The demonstration, organized by right-wing activist Els Rechts, attracted thousands advocating for stricter asylum policies. However, the situation turned chaotic as some protesters began throwing bottles and rocks at officers, prompting a strong response from law enforcement.
In an effort to control the situation, Dutch police deployed tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowd. A police car was set on fire during the unrest, and the office of the centrist political party D66 was vandalized. A smaller group of rioters attempted to approach the Dutch parliament complex but were blocked by security forces.
The violence has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the Netherlands. Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), criticized the rioters, calling them “idiots” and “scum.” He emphasized the importance of law and order, stating that such actions would not be tolerated. Similarly, caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence as “completely unacceptable” and expressed confidence in the justice system to prosecute those responsible.
The unrest comes just weeks before the Netherlands’ general election on October 29, 2025, and reflects the heightened political tensions surrounding immigration policy. The Dutch government has vowed to address the situation swiftly and ensure that such incidents do not undermine public safety and democratic processes.
