Farmers and climate activists to demonstrate in The Hague on Saturday

The police have drafted in extra police officers and may bring in the army to help control two large demonstrations set to take place in The Hague on Saturday.

The climate activists of Extinction Rebellion are planning to again block the A12 motorway from midday, while farmers who oppose the government’s plans to limit nitrogen-based pollution are gathering at the Zuiderpark, outside the city centre.

Extinction Rebellion expects some 2,000 people to take part in its protest and said it is pressing ahead with the plan to close the road, even though the council has said it will not accept the action.

The council has also told the Farmers Defence Force that it may only bring two tractors to the Zuiderpark demonstration several kilometres away. It had been planning to come with hundreds as has happened in previous years.

The Zuiderpark has been earmarked for the demo because the Malieveld, close to the parliamentary complex, is being prepared for Sunday’s City Pier City run.

The FDF has said it ‘will probably’ keep to the council’s rules, news website Nu.nl reported.

Army

Nevertheless, the army is on standby to block roads if more tractors attempt to enter the city. ‘If that happens, it will be up to the police to intervene,’ a council spokesman said.

City officials are advising people who want to visit The Hague on Saturday to come by public transport.