The number of welfare recipients in the Netherlands rose to 411,000 in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 1,000 people compared to the previous three months. Preliminary data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicates that this growth is particularly driven by an increase in younger recipients.
The formation of a broad coalition in Bloemendaal has collapsed following the withdrawal of the Zelfstandig Bloemendaal party from negotiations. The party alleged that its potential partners, VVD, D66, and CDA, failed to respect recommendations made by the appointed informants and explorers.
Maaike van der Plas records cryptic notes like "13B low left" on her phone to keep track of where she parks her bicycle at the station. These reminders help her quickly find her bike among the thousands of others during her daily commute.
Marijke Smit-van der Weide of the D66 party is one of several new members joining the Heemstede municipal council. In an interview, she discusses the realities of local governance, emphasizing that achieving significant political goals requires a long-term commitment beyond a single four-year term.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is scheduled to testify on Friday before a parliamentary inquiry commission regarding the Netherlands' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing focuses on his leadership and decision-making during the crisis, which often involved heavy reliance on scientific experts. This inquiry occurs three years after the lifting of final pandemic measures in the country.
