The Deputy Mayor decided today at 1:54 PM to disband the demonstration on the Malieveld under the banner ‘We Are the People’. Notification had been given for the demonstration, under which the organization also intended to march through the city center.
Serious disturbances of order occurred during the demonstration. Violence was used against police officers and the Mobile Unit (ME), and heavy fireworks were thrown in the direction of the police. In addition, several demonstrators continued to wear face-covering clothing, despite indications that this was not permitted.
The right to demonstrate is a great asset
In The Hague, there is ample room for people to express their concerns and demonstrate. The right to demonstrate is a fundamental right. Therefore, more than 3,000 demonstrations are facilitated in The Hague every year. This time, too, agreements were made in advance with the organization regarding how the demonstration could proceed. However, violence in all forms is unacceptable and action is taken against it.
Route through the city was cancelled
Due to the situation that had arisen, Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos decided that the demonstration would take place exclusively on the Malieveld and that the announced route through the city would not proceed. Demonstrating on the Malieveld therefore remained possible. Due to the ongoing violence, the Deputy Mayor considered it irresponsible to take the risk, given the situation, that new disturbances would spread to The Hague city center.
Demonstration subsequently disbanded
When the disturbances and violence persisted, the demonstration was disbanded by order of the Deputy Mayor. To restore public order and safety, demonstrators were escorted out of the area. An emergency order was also issued.
Violence unacceptable
Deputy Mayor Richard de Mos: “Demonstrating is a fundamental right, and people have every right to express their concerns. But as soon as police officers are attacked, heavy fireworks are thrown, and public order is seriously disrupted, a line is crossed. We all remember the misery of last year. My responsibility as Deputy Mayor is to protect the city and ensure the safety of everyone. That is why we initially cancelled the march and kept demonstrating on the Malieveld possible. When the violence persisted, termination was necessary. My sincere thanks go to the police. They were once again well prepared and managed to keep the situation on the streets under control.” Every demonstration is assessed based on the facts and circumstances at that moment. The content or background of a demonstration is explicitly not taken into account in this assessment.
Over the past three months, cyclists have found their way to The Hague’s 18 bicycle parking facilities nearly half a million times. To do so, they used the Hague Bicycle Pass, launched at the end of May. With the Hague Bicycle Pass, cyclists can park their bikes quickly and easily, and the municipality can use the information to better align bicycle parking facilities with the needs of cyclists. In this way, the municipality is working towards an accessible and liveable city. Alderman Adeel Mahmood: “These figures show that the bicycle parking facilities meet a great need. Moreover, good bicycle parking facilities are not only pleasant for cyclists, but good for the entire city. This way, we keep sidewalks and squares clear, tidy, and accessible for pedestrians, emergency services, wheelchair users, and parents with strollers.”
Importance of good bicycle parking facilities
Good bicycle parking facilities are not only a solution to the pressure on public space. They make cycling attractive, and that benefits our city greatly. For instance, research shows that cyclists in the city centre spend more monthly than visitors travelling by other means. Shops, hospitality venues, and other amenities are often more easily and quickly accessible with secure bicycle parking nearby. This ensures an attractive city centre and a strong local economy. Furthermore, cycling is, of course, healthy.
Finally, The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities play an important role in the safe storage of bicycles. This is important because over 5,100 bicycle thefts were recorded last year. By offering free and managed parking facilities, the municipality helps combat bicycle theft.
Insight into different types of bicycles
The 18 bicycle parking facilities in The Hague, managed by Biesieklette, collectively accommodate 11,385 bicycles. The Buitenhof facility in the city centre has the most users. Data from the The Hague Bicycle Pass shows that over 75% of the parked vehicles consist of regular (electric) bicycles, nearly 14% of bicycles with a crate or child seat, 7% of bicycles with fat tires, 2.5% of cargo bikes, and approximately 1% of other two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles. The municipality uses this information to make the facilities even more efficient starting in 2027.
Cycling pays off
Together with local entrepreneurs, the municipality will launch a pilot program for a loyalty system in early 2027. The first phase focuses on entrepreneurs in the city center, along the coast, and around the Leyweg. It investigates whether cyclists park their bikes more often in guarded parking facilities when they can accumulate points for discounts on products or services. This makes cycling more rewarding. This is a first step towards an eventual city-wide loyalty program in which The Hague entrepreneurs can participate.
The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities are part of Den Haag Fietst , the overarching cycling initiative of the Municipality of The Hague. More information: denhaagfietst.nl
In the dunes of The Hague, where light can be so tangibly present, American artist James Turrell has created a place to look at the sky: ‘Celestial Vault’ in Kijkduin. The work has been permanent and freely accessible for three decades. Stroom Den Haag is celebrating the anniversary from September 18 to 20 with guided tours and a presentation on its origins.
A long staircase, an elliptical dune hollow, and a stone bench. Whoever enters Hemels Gewelf lies down and looks up. The shape of the landscape leads the gaze towards the sky; the heavens seem to draw closer and change shape. Light, clouds, time of day, and weather make every experience different.On this coming September 21st, it will be exactly thirty years since Celestial Vault by American artist James Turrell was completed and unveiled in the dunes of The Hague. It is one of the few permanently accessible landscape works by Turrell in Europe – an internationally renowned artwork that is free for everyone to visit, right here in The Hague.
No screen. No distractions. Just watching.
It is precisely in this respect that Hemels Gewelf feels remarkably relevant thirty years after its opening. In a world where our attention is constantly demanded, the work offers something rare: a place where you don’t have to do anything for a moment but look. Turrell makes the sky not a background, but a subject. Whoever lies on the stone bench becomes simultaneously aware of the light, the space, and their own way of seeing.
International artwork, Hague collection James Turrell is internationally regarded as one of the most important artists working with light, space, and perception. His work can be found worldwide; recently, a ‘skyspace’ was installed in the Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark. The fact that The Hague possesses a permanent and freely accessible landscape work by his hand is exceptional. Hidden in the dunes near Kijkduin, art and landscape merge almost completely. Hemels Gewelf is therefore not only a work by an internationally renowned artist but also a special asset of The Hague: a piece of the sky on the coast, which remains a discovery for many visitors.
Anniversary weekend September 18-20, 2026 Stroom Den Haag, the initiator of the realization of Hemels Gewelf , is organizing a festive program with guided tours from September 18 to 20. Visitors will discover the work, its history, and the unique character of art in public space. Registration is possible via www.stroom.nl .
Additionally, at Stroom aan de Hogewal, there is a presentation featuring a model of Hemels Gewelf and photo and film material from the very beginning.
The Hague continues to build on its position as an international city of peace, justice, and security. The Municipal Executive therefore proposes to designate Stichting The Hague Security Delta (HSD) as a Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI).
With this designation, the municipality can continue to support HSD’s activities. The foundation brings together government bodies, knowledge institutions, and businesses to work on innovation, talent development, and digital resilience. In doing so, HSD makes a significant contribution to The Hague’s economy, employment, and cybersecurity. Alderman Richard de Mos (International and Lobbying): “With this investment, The Hague strengthens its economy as well as its position as an international cyber capital. This ensures the city remains attractive to companies, talent, and organizations working on a secure digital future.”
Cybersecurity capital
Over the past few years, The Hague has developed into a leading center for cybersecurity, with organizations such as the National Cyber Security Center, Europol, Eurojust, NATO institutions, and the HSD Campus. HSD plays an important role in this as an independent connector.
Digital threats
Especially now that digital threats are increasing, investing in knowledge, innovation, and collaboration remains essential. HSD also plays an important role in the further development of the House of Cyber and the National Cyber Campus. The designation is valid for four years and focuses on promoting collaboration, cyber resilience, talent development, and innovation, among other things.
250 years after the USA declared independence, did they really vote to bring back TheKing?
“What a perfect time for another American Revolution,” says Dutch-American comedian Greg Shapiro. Let’s roast the King!
Shapiro is known as the voice of Trump in the ‘NETHERLANDS SECOND’ video from Arjen Lubach. He is one of the earliest members of the Boom Chicago theater in Amsterdam. He hosted Comedy Central News, and he has appeared on BNR, BNN-VARA, VPRO + regularly on Germany’s ZDF.
