rssJun 10, 2026, 11:06

Live blog: City council debates coalition agreement

The Amsterdam city council is debating a new coalition agreement that includes cutting 2,500 civil servant positions and significantly increasing tourist taxes. Other key measures involve canceling the planned erotic center in the Zuid district and dropping a proposed ban on foreign tourists in coffee shops. While property and waste taxes will only rise with inflation, parking permit fees are set to increase.

Politics Economy Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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

Pieter (64) could no longer afford high rent and ended up on the street: I was just surviving

After suffering a series of financial setbacks, 64-year-old Pieter Willems lost his home and was forced to live on the streets. He is now joining a protest in Amsterdam to raise awareness about the worsening housing crisis and the vulnerability of those facing homelessness.

City to grow to 1.08 million residents by 2050, with fewer families and a rapidly aging population

Amsterdam is projected to reach 1.08 million residents by 2050, driven primarily by international migration. However, the city faces challenges from a rapidly aging population and a housing market that makes it increasingly difficult for families and essential workers to find affordable, suitable homes.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

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Arrival of East Bridge delayed again, municipality still short at least 170 million euros

The construction of the Oostbrug in Amsterdam faces further delays as the project currently faces a funding shortfall of at least 170 million euros. Technical complexities and rising costs have led to significantly higher budget requirements, with the municipality now seeking additional support from national and regional authorities to finalize the plans by 2027.

Municipality blunders with parking revenue: earmarked funds possibly misspent

The Amsterdam municipal government failed to officially repeal a 2020 ordinance that legally earmarks parking revenue for specific traffic and transport purposes. This administrative error means that funds intended for these projects may have been improperly spent elsewhere, leading to calls for full financial transparency from opposition council members.