News item | 19-12-2025 | 3:00 PM
The right to demonstrate is an essential part of the democratic constitutional state. This way people can express themselves peacefully and participate in the public debate. The vast majority of demonstrations proceed without problems and the recent WODC study states that the legal framework surrounding the right to demonstrate works well in principle. At the same time, protest actions too often show people misbehaving and breaking the law. The government is introducing a package of additional measures to tackle abuses and to better support local authorities in ensuring that demonstrations run smoothly, in order to better protect the right to demonstrate. The government is also looking at options for support in recovering damages related to demonstrations that have gotten out of hand.
Dutch legislation regarding demonstrations is basically well regulated. At the same time, it is important that this important fundamental right to demonstrate is also properly expressed in practice. It is important that demonstrators, as well as organizers and authorities, can handle this well.
Minister Rijkaart of the Interior and Kingdom Relations: “We see that our right to demonstrate is well regulated in the Netherlands. But anyone who breaks the law abuses it. That is why it is good to tighten certain points so that we maintain support and strengthen our fundamental right to demonstrate and keep it accessible.”
Support local government
The government wants to better equip local government to maintain public order. It is therefore being investigated whether the Municipalities Act can be amended to improve the applicability of the existing regulation under which demonstrators can be temporarily moved, accommodated or detained. The government is also looking at how municipalities and involved parties can be better supported in recovering damages caused by demonstrations. In addition, we will look at how to better ensure that demonstrations are registered correctly and how they can be conducted in a dignified and safe manner. This also applies to national commemorations.
Cultural heritage and vital infrastructure
The government is also investigating the introduction of a separate criminal offense for damaging cultural heritage and blocking vital infrastructure, such as railway lines and highways.
Police and Public Prosecution Service
The recent WODC study shows that, according to the researchers, there is more room for the police and the Public Prosecution Service to take action against demonstrators who violate the law, within the current legal frameworks. This will therefore be brought to the attention of judges and public prosecutors. New agreements are also being discussed with the police about the role of the police during demonstrations.
Minister Van Oosten of Justice and Security: “Demonstrations are an important democratic right, but demonstrators must adhere to the law. We have seen this go wrong several times recently. That is why I want to take strong measures so that violations can be punished more severely and the police are better protected.”
Ongoing measures
Previously announced measures continue. For example, the bill to ban face-covering clothing during demonstrations will still be consulted this year. The proposal to give the police access to online groups for the purpose of public order enforcement will also soon be submitted to the advisory department of the Council of State. The ME will also start pilots regarding additional ME armament this year.