Farmers protest in the Netherlands over budget: fires near motorways and railway sabotage

The Netherlands was thrown into traffic chaos after farmers set fires near motorways, while authorities launched an investigation into an act of sabotage on the railway network, on the eve of the official opening of the new parliamentary session.

ProRail, the company responsible for managing the country’s railway infrastructure, announced that thin pipes had been deliberately attached to tracks at more than 20 locations. Most of the incidents were reported in rural areas in the central and eastern parts of the Netherlands.

The placement of the pipes led to the suspension of train services on the affected lines and caused significant delays and disruptions on other sections of the network, including international routes connecting the Netherlands with Germany.

According to ProRail, the materials had not been placed accidentally, and the incident was therefore treated as sabotage. In addition to obstructing trains, the pipes also affected road traffic, as several level crossings were closed.

The AIVD, the Dutch intelligence agency, has also become involved in investigating the case and is working together with the police and prosecutors. So far, the AIVD has not made any details of the investigation public.

Meanwhile, around midday, fires were reported at several points along the motorways. As a result, authorities closed sections of the roads, while traffic was severely disrupted.

The Farmers’ Defense Force said that angry farmers were behind the fires, choosing the day the government budget was presented to burn hay bales and vehicle tires.

“We feel as though the country is on fire. Farmers feel as though their businesses are being burned by the government’s plans,” said the organization’s spokesperson, Sita van Keberma.

The organization denied any responsibility for the damage to the railway lines, but did not rule out the possibility that such actions had been carried out individually by angry farmers.

The protests center on the government’s plans for the 2027 budget, which farmers have opposed for months. They say they are being unfairly held responsible for nitrate pollution and oppose projects to restore habitats, as these measures could affect their activities.

The draft budget was made public by King Willem-Alexander at the start of the new parliamentary term. In a speech written by Prime Minister Rob Yeats, the king said it would be “irresponsible” not to address nitrogen pollution, even if the measures had consequences for farmers.

The government has said it will provide financial compensation to farmers and businesses affected by the habitat restoration plans.