Climate activists staged a major protest on Saturday, blocking a key highway leading into The Hague, Netherlands, as part of their ongoing demonstrations against government subsidies for fossil fuels. The protest coincided with a police strike, which resulted in a lighter law enforcement presence at the scene.
Approximately 500 activists from the climate protest group Extinction Rebellion marched onto the A12 highway around midday, chanting slogans such as “the oceans are rising and so are we.” They carried banners with messages like “Action Now” and “Stop Fossil Subsidies.” Many protesters set up camping chairs and tents, indicating their intention to remain at the site overnight.
A government report from last year estimated that industrial companies in the Netherlands receive over 39 billion euros ($43.2 billion) in fossil fuel subsidies, primarily through tax breaks. Extinction Rebellion has vowed to continue its protests until these subsidies are eliminated. This protest is part of a series of demonstrations that have taken place at the same location over the past year.
In past demonstrations, authorities have forcibly removed protesters after several hours and detained those who refused to leave. However, with most police officers on strike until 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) on Saturday due to a pension dispute, it was uncertain how long the protest would continue without police intervention.
The City of The Hague issued a statement declaring that blocking the highway is prohibited and urged protesters to relocate to a nearby field.
Earlier protests organized by Extinction Rebellion have seen significant turnout, with thousands participating in demonstrations across the country. In a recent protest in Amsterdam, more than 100 activists were detained for blocking roads. The group has emphasized the urgency of their cause, stating that the government’s continued investment in fossil fuels is detrimental to climate action and the transition to renewable energy.
