It is nothing short of outrageous that parties like the PVV, BBB, FVD, and VVD have signed the declaration condemning last Saturday’s violence at the Malieveld. Of course, violence against journalists, police, and party offices is unacceptable. Of course, it must be strongly condemned. But the fact that these parties now present themselves as defenders of democracy is hypocrisy in its purest form.

Let’s be honest. These are precisely the parties that provide the fuel for such violence day in, day out. Their rhetoric creates a climate of hate, fear, and division. When Wilders repeatedly depicts entire groups of people as second-class citizens, when the BBB looks for scapegoats to cover up its failing policies, when FVD indulges in conspiracies and far-right extremist theories, and when the VVD consistently turns a blind eye to the consequences of its harsh and cold policies, it comes as no surprise that this tension erupts in the streets.

This is the logical outcome of years of normalising far-right rhetoric. First people are dehumanised in words, then in deeds. First “the problem” is pinned on migrants, Muslims, climate activists, or left-wing opponents. From there the step to physical intimidation and violence becomes very small indeed.

And yet these parties are the first to shed crocodile tears and sign declarations. Their words about the rule of law ring hollow as long as they themselves fuel the erosion of that very rule of law. Democracy is not a flag to wave only when convenient; it is a daily duty that begins with honesty, equality, and respect.

MERA25 Netherlands says: enough with this hypocrisy. The fight against far-right violence begins with naming its source: a political climate in which hate and division are deliberately sown. As long as parties like PVV, BBB, FVD, and VVD continue to normalise racism, exclusion and conspiracy thinking, their condemnations of violence will never be more than empty words.

Real defence of our democracy means breaking with the rhetoric that legitimises violence. It means resisting the politics of hate that pit people against one another. And it means building a society based on solidarity, equality and peace.

This is what we stand for. This is where the real protection of democracy begins.

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