haarlemsdagbladFeb 27, 2026, 05:31

Ousted alderman Özütok: 'I expect an apology.' Preliminary misconduct probe finds no grounds for integrity investigation

A preliminary investigation into alleged transgressive behavior by former Beverwijk alderman Nevin Özütok has concluded there is no basis for further integrity research. While Özütok is demanding a public apology following the findings, Mayor Martijn Smit has not yet offered one.

Politics Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Bontenbal expects 'exciting week' for cabinet, thanks CU and 50Plus but remains silent on VVD

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal is leading efforts to secure opposition support for the government's tax plan before this week's critical deadline. While praising the ChristenUnie and 50Plus for their cooperation, Bontenbal faces skepticism from other opposition parties who doubt the sincerity of the coalition's negotiation strategy.

Mayor Halsema will not grant firework exemptions in the future either

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has announced that the city will not issue exemptions for firework displays by associations, citing enforcement difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, the municipality encourages citizens to attend official, organized shows rather than using fireworks themselves.

Documentary maker Mijke de Jong followed Femke Halsema for a year as mayor: I was not out to catch her out

Documentary filmmaker Mijke de Jong spent a year following Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema for her project titled De burgemeester. The documentary explores the daily responsibilities and public scrutiny faced by the mayor, addressing themes like accessibility and media criticism.

Red Line demonstration in Amsterdam: ‘Israel is not a normal country and does not do normal things’

Human rights organizations held their fourth demonstration in Amsterdam to urge the Netherlands to take a stronger stance against the violence in Gaza. Activists from groups like The Rights Forum criticized Israel's actions, calling for urgent government intervention in the conflict.

Halsema calls homeless shelters a magnet: does repealing the outdoor sleeping ban attract homeless people to Amsterdam?

The Amsterdam city council is set to decide on Wednesday whether to abolish the local ban on sleeping outdoors. The debate centers on a disagreement between parties advocating for more humane policies and those who fear the change will attract more homeless people to the city.