Dutch farmers, climate activists get ready for pre-election protests

Dutch farmers protest against government policies to limit nitrogen emissions in The Hague, Netherlands March 11, 2023. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Hundreds of Dutch farmers carrying flags and banners began gathering in The Hague on Saturday for a protest against government plans to limit nitrogen emissions, a policy they say will spell the end of many farms.

In a separate protest ahead of the country's March 15 regional elections, environmentalists were expected to block a major thoroughfare in the city later in the day to protest tax rules they say encourage the use of fossil fuels.