The motive behind the attack on the D66 party headquarters remains unknown, but Prime Minister and party leader Rob Jetten believes the building was deliberately targeted. Speaking before a cabinet meeting on Friday, Jetten noted that out of the many buildings in The Hague’s city centre, the perpetrator appeared to have walked purposefully to the office to ignite a pre-prepared firework bomb.
The attack took place on Thursday evening while dozens of young people were inside the building. Although the police have arrested a suspect, Jetten confirmed that the site sustained “a great deal of damage” and will remain closed until Monday.
This is the second time the headquarters has been targeted. Last autumn, a protest against immigration spiralled out of control, resulting in smashed windows and 34,000 euros in damages. Since then, security has been tightened. In a separate incident in October, there was also an attempt to hang the Prince’s Flag—a symbol associated with the far right—on the building.
Jetten condemned the violence, calling it “hopeless” to think that politicians can be intimidated by such actions. He stressed the importance of protecting those in public service while still maintaining a dialogue with those who are angry. “Even if you strongly disagree,” the Prime Minister stated, “you still have to take the time to listen to one another.”
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