Video: One arrested in firebombing of Dutch PM's D66 political party headquarters
The police arrested one person in connection with an explosion that took place Thursday evening at the D66 party headquarters in The Hague during a gathering of the party's youth wing. Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who is the D66 leader, said the bombing on his own party's headquarters was "a cowardly act of intimidation".
There were no injuries as a result of the blast on Lange Houtstraat in the city center of The Hague, which took place just after 9 p.m., a police spokesperson said. There were approximately 30 people in the facility when the incident took place.
The party confirmed the explosion was caused by a firework bomb. The police have closed off Lange Houtstraat for investigation.
In a response to X, Jetten addressed the perpetrators, stating, "For those who think they can instill fear, I have a message: in the democratic Netherlands, we will never allow ourselves to be silenced by violence." Furthermore, the Prime Minister thanks the police and fire services "for their swift action".
Jan Paternotte is D66's leader in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Parliament. He called the bombing an "idiotic act" that could have ended much worse. "More than 30 Young Democrats were in the building. It is a minor miracle that they are unharmed, because the explosion caused devastation." Like Jetten, Paternotte emphasized, "We will not be intimidated."
The incident had an enormous impact on the people who were present in the D66 offices when the bomb went off, the yoouth faction said in a statement. "It is completely unacceptable that young people who come together to speak freely, discuss, and dedicate themselves to democracy are confronted with violence and intimidation," they said.
"A democratic constitutional state can only exist when political participation is safe. Violence against political organizations and young people engaged in society therefore affects us all." The youth organization stated that its priority lies in supporting those present "and providing calm and clarity to everyone involved".
D66 Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is "furious" about the attack and called the perpetrators "scum of the earth" on the television program, Pauw & De Wit. He pointed out that this is no longer an isolated incident and that mayors, aldermen, and council members throughout the country are dealing with violence and intimidation. "It is simply completely, utterly unacceptable."
"You don't have to agree with D66's positions," said Sjoerdsma. "But this obviously goes beyond all boundaries."
The party headquarters was also the target of an attack last fall during rioting that started at the Malieveld demonstration site. Windows were smashed and a burning container was pushed towards the D66 building.
