Turkish Baudet attacked during a campaign appearance in Groningen
The Dutch far‑right politician Thierry Baudet, leader of the Forum for Democracy (FvD), was the target of an assault on Monday inside a cafe in Groningen, located in the north of the country. A man struck him on the head with a glass bottle as Baudet was meeting with fellow party candidates. The incident left him briefly stunned and in need of medical attention. The attack occurred as the party prepares for a pivotal moment in Dutch politics, with early general elections scheduled for this week following a board resignation last July. This context has heightened security concerns around campaign stops and public appearances. Sources describe the event as a serious assault that disrupted the campaign in a key electoral region. (attribution: national news wires)
Baudet was swiftly moved to the University Medical Center Groningen for evaluation and treatment by a trauma specialist. The party indicated on its official X profile that the admission and care were handled by medical professionals at the facility. The breach of safety came just as the candidate was engaging with supporters and discussing policy matters, underscoring the volatile climate surrounding the election campaign. (attribution: party communications)
According to the FvD, the attacker delivered a forceful impact to Baudet’s rear skull and temple area after reaching the table where the candidate stood. A security guard at the venue sustained facial injuries in the incident, which has prompted organizers to reassess security arrangements for future rallies. The event left attendees and organizers unsettled about the contingency plans in place for high‑profile political events during this critical election period. (attribution: eyewitness reports)
Earlier in October, Baudet faced another confrontation in Ghent, where an umbrella strike targeted him as he prepared to lecture at a conservative university association. The episode in Belgium underscored a pattern of confrontations around Baudet’s public appearances as he continues to campaign amid domestic political upheaval. Campaign teams are facing renewed scrutiny over how to balance accessibility with safety for candidates. (attribution: regional coverage)