Extinction Rebellion activists block A12 in The Hague to protest fossil fuel subsidies

Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) staged a protest on the A12 highway in The Hague on Saturday, causing significant disruptions. The police confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the first arrests were made during the protest.

The protest began around noon, with groups of activists sitting on the road in various locations. One of the protest groups was situated at the corner of Zuid-Hollandlaan and Koningskade near Malieveld, where activists also sat on the ground to block traffic.

The municipality of The Hague responded by stating on X that the XR’s blockade actions were unauthorized. "The Laan van Reagan and Gorbatsjov is available for demonstrations," the city announced, redirecting protesters to a designated location.

The demonstration was organized by XR to express their dissatisfaction with so-called fossil fuel subsidies—tax benefits provided to companies that encourage the use of fossil fuels. XR claims these subsidies contribute to climate change and hinder the transition to renewable energy sources.

In response to the protest, Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch public works department, issued a statement advising traffic heading to The Hague to avoid the A12. Drivers were instructed to detour via the A4, N14, and N44 highways to bypass the blocked section of the A12.