Prosecutors to charge tractor drivers on highways as farmer protests intensify

OM announces criminal prosecution for highway tractor protests

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie, or OM) announced on 20 August that it will prosecute tractor drivers who use highways during demonstrations, following a fatal accident on the A59 near Heesch that killed two people and injured six others on 18 August.

The OM clarified existing rules in a statement: agricultural vehicles are banned from highways, and drivers who enter them — or who obscure their license plates — will face criminal charges. The only exception: if a demonstration is formally registered with the local mayor in advance and not prohibited.

"Demonstrating is a fundamental right," the OM emphasized, "but that does not exclude prosecution for other criminal offences committed during a demonstration."

The announcement follows criticism of police handling of the Den Bosch protest, where officers initially said they would not intervene against tractors on highways due to demonstration rights. Both police and prosecutors have pledged to evaluate their response.

Hundreds of tractors march through Drenthe — mayors refuse to sign protest letter

On the same day as the OM announcement, hundreds of tractors rolled through Drenthe in a mass "nitrogen march" against the cabinet's stikstof (nitrogen reduction) policy. An estimated 400 to 500 tractors participated in the southern part of the province alone, causing traffic jams stretching over 15 kilometers on provincial roads.

Protesters decorated their vehicles with upside-down Dutch flags and white crosses symbolizing livestock they say they'll soon be forced to cull. "The cabinet policy offers us no future at all," farmer Erik Hofman from Westerveld told RTV Drenthe. "I think the countryside won't recover — you already see depopulation. Farms standing empty. Everything is deteriorating."

Despite the show of force, all twelve Drenthe mayors refused to sign a protest letter to the cabinet. The mayors declined to take political action against national nitrogen policy, leaving the farmers' demands unmet.

What this means for you

If you live near agricultural areas or commute through provinces where farmer protests occur, expect continued traffic disruptions — though protesters are now likely to avoid highways given the prosecution threat.

The stikstof debate affects more than farmers: nitrogen reduction targets shape housing construction permits, infrastructure projects, and industrial expansion across the Netherlands. The standoff between farmers and government over emission limits has already delayed thousands of building permits in areas near nature reserves (Natura 2000 zones).

The OM's hardline stance may reduce highway blockages but could escalate tensions elsewhere. Watch for protests on provincial roads and in town centers, where demonstrations remain legal.

Coalition arithmetic remains unclear

While farmers protested outside, The Hague's political puzzle continues inside. On 19 August, ChristenUnie and 50Plus met with Prime Minister Jetten and deputy prime ministers Yesilgöz (VVD) and Van den Brink (CDA) to discuss how the minority cabinet will pass its budget.

Both parties urged the cabinet to avoid choosing between left-wing or right-wing coalition partners. "Just continue as a minority cabinet," said 50Plus leader Struijs, "and seek a majority for each individual proposal." ChristenUnie leader Bikker agreed: "I'm tired of the discussion about left or right. Let's get things done."

Other parties disagree. Pro wants the cabinet to govern "over left," while JA21 and SGP prefer a right-wing arrangement. SGP leader Stoffer noted his party's existing cooperation with JA21 on financial matters, but warned he'll withdraw support if the cabinet crosses his "medical-ethical red line" — for example, by advancing legislation on surrogacy.

Finance Minister Heinen confirmed the draft budget (Miljoenennota) is ready, but changes remain possible. Opposition parties are growing impatient, still waiting to see how the cabinet plans to balance its books. The budget must be presented to parliament by the third Tuesday in September (Prinsjesdag).

For internationals: this minority government situation is unusual in Dutch politics, where coalition agreements typically lock in support for four years. Without such an agreement, every major vote becomes a negotiation — creating uncertainty for policy areas from housing to immigration to tax reform.