haarlemsdagbladMay 27, 2026, 18:03

LAKS calls for new exam system after wave of complaints: petition to abolish 5.5 rule goes to Parliament

The Dutch student interest group LAKS is calling for a reform of the national examination system following years of complaints about the current structure. The organization is submitting a petition to the House of Representatives to abolish the mandatory 5.5 average rule and allow for more flexibility in when students take their exams.

Politics Culture Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Jorrit Nuijens (1980-2026) was a flamboyant GreenLeft politician who remained a lifelong seeker

Former GroenLinks councilor and alderman Jorrit Nuijens has died at age 46 after a life marked by a notable political career and internal personal struggles. Despite his professional success in local government, Nuijens frequently navigated a lifelong search for identity and meaning.

Appeals court reviews 2009 eviction of Amsterdam squatters' stronghold: ‘Police lashed out’

Fifteen years after the 2011 eviction of the Schijnheilig squat in Amsterdam, the Court of Appeal in The Hague is reviewing the cases of five protesters who were previously convicted for their roles in the event. Following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, both the defense and the public prosecutor are now seeking an acquittal, citing the right to peaceful protest.

Michel Peters, chair of queer police network Pink in Blue: ‘Amsterdam is no longer the tolerant city it once was. And I am naming the elephant in the room’

Michel Peters, chairman of the queer police network Roze in Blauw, warns that Amsterdam is becoming less tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community due to increased violence and intimidation. He urges victims to report all incidents to the police to ensure accurate tracking of these hate-related crimes.

Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has severely limited accessible support services for individuals in Amsterdam facing problems related to chemsex. Healthcare providers are now sounding the alarm, warning that the loss of this specialized care leaves a vulnerable group without adequate prevention and assistance.

Johan Derksen: Of course Rob Jetten can relax and bathe the baby, there are no pressing issues in this country anyway

Rob Jetten and his partner have announced they are expecting a child through a surrogate mother, sparking media discussions on parenting and political responsibilities. The announcement has also highlighted critical legal issues surrounding surrogacy in the Netherlands, leading to renewed parliamentary focus on reforming relevant legislation.