The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government, has declared a state of emergency on Friday to prevent farmers from driving their tractors into the city to protest the government’s mandatory fertilizer reduction targets.
The city authorities said they had received credible information that farmers were planning to disrupt public order and safety by blocking roads and buildings with their vehicles. They also said they feared possible clashes between farmers and other protesters who support the government’s climate policies.
The state of emergency gives the police extra powers to stop and search people, confiscate objects, and impose fines or arrests for violating the ban on tractors. The measure will remain in effect until Monday.