Dutch construction workers protest pollution rules

By Abdullah Asiran

THE HAGUE (AA) - Thousands of construction sector workers protested in the Netherlands against the government's decision to impose restrictions on toxic PFAS chemicals and nitrogen emissions.

Demonstrators coming from across the country gathered at the Malieveld Square in The Hague.

According to the protesting workers, the government's restrictions on PFAS chemicals and nitrogen emissions have brought tens of thousands of construction projects to the standstill which may leave many companies bankrupt.

Holding posters that read “Enable the Netherlands to do construction again”, the protesters called on the government to change its policy on PFAS chemicals and nitrogen emissions.

The Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten was booed when she came to talk to the protesters.

The demonstration disrupted traffic at different points across the country, causing the formation of miles of vehicle queues.

The police also intervened as the protesters blocked a road near the square. The protesters threw bottles at the police and the police arrested 26 of them.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet in Ankara.