Research by EenVandaag among over 25,000 members of the Opinion Panel shows that many describe their feelings after an anti-immigration protest in The Hague last Saturday, which escalated into riots, as ‘horrific’, ‘sad’, and ‘dangerous’. A significant majority (72 percent) strongly disapproves of how the protest unfolded.
- Research by EenVandaag involved over 25,000 panel members.
- 72 percent strongly disapprove of the protest's conduct.
- Majority (61 percent) feel concerns about immigration are ignored.
- Protest in The Hague escalated into riots last Saturday.
- Many believe politicians contribute to societal polarization.
- Voters urge politicians to listen and take action together.
At the same time, a similarly large group understands those protesting against immigration, largely due to frustration over the lack of measures to limit immigration. However, a majority (61 percent) believes that there is insufficient attention to the concerns people have regarding this issue.
These sentiments are particularly prevalent among voters of right-wing parties, as well as many from centrist parties like the CDA and the ChristenUnie, and even some left-wing voters, who feel that not enough has been done regarding these concerns.
“I live near an asylum seekers center and we also experience some nuisance. Not to the extent that the PVV highlights, but still nuisance. They integrate poorly. And there simply aren’t enough houses for everyone,”
— CDA voter
People who are less concerned about immigration also understand the anger of the protesters. A ChristenUnie voter stated, “You would think these people would be helped with a right-wing cabinet, but two years later, nothing has been addressed. Whether you agree or not, I also find that frustrating.”
Most respondents cannot separate the out-of-control protests from the political climate. Over half (59 percent) believe that politicians in The Hague contribute to such events with their language in the House of Representatives.
‘Aiming for Polarization’
Many panel members point to politicians like PVV leader Geert Wilders, while right-wing voters argue that leftist parties, such as GroenLinks-PvdA, DENK, or the Party for the Animals, incite tensions. A floating voter questioned, “It seems politicians are only aiming for polarization to grow larger. Where is the time when politicians listen, address issues, and also solve them?”
Almost all panel members are concerned about polarization in society, but not everyone (54 percent) believes that politicians need to change their language. Voters of the PVV and FVD are particularly unconcerned about the tone in The Hague, with 4 out of 10 PVV voters finding it not harsh enough.
Message for Politicians
Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will debate the events from Saturday. EenVandaag asked voters for their message to politicians in that debate. Unsurprisingly, they want politicians to continue addressing their concerns and wishes. However, there is a notable call for politicians to listen, both to the public and to each other, and to genuinely attempt to demonstrate decisiveness together.
“A good example leads to good following, but the same applies to a bad example. I hope this doesn’t continue throughout the entire campaign; we are sliding down as a civilization,”
— CDA voter
PVV voters also call for less finger-pointing and more action: “There is only shouting at each other. One says ‘yes’, the other says ‘no’, but coming to a resolution together: not a chance. We get nowhere with that.”
Originally reported by eenvandaag.avrotros.nl as “Taalgebruik politici veroorzaakt uit de hand lopende protesten zoals in Den Haag, vindt ruim de helft: ‘Slecht voorbeeld doet volgen'” on 2025-09-24 18:29:00.
