Damage of 55,000 euros in the Dutch parliament after far-right riots in Den Haag
The Binnenhof in The Hague, the seat of the Dutch parliament, suffered damage estimated at around 55,000 euros following violent riots carried out by right-wing extremists last Saturday. According to the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, several historic windows in the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) were smashed, and the main gate of the construction site sustained significant damage requiring replacement. Additionally, there were extra costs due to the temporary fencing. The Binnenhof is currently undergoing extensive restoration expected to last until at least 2030.
Chaos erupted after an anti-immigration demonstration got out of control in Malieveld, with rioters storming the city center. Damage was also reported at the nearby D66 party office, where windows were smashed.
The mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, condemned the events, stating that they are "not a demonstration, but deliberate riots." The police were attacked, and six journalists were injured while covering the disturbances.
The authorities have arrested 37 people so far, with the first trial already held on Tuesday and a verdict issued. Van Zanen confirmed that more arrests are expected in the coming days as investigations continue.
Despite the city's expectation of some confrontations, officials admitted they did not anticipate this level of severe violence. Four companies of riot police were deployed, along with water cannons, horses, and dogs, as a precautionary measure. Van Zanen later described the situation as a 'state of emergency' posing a serious risk to the safety of officers and the public.