paroolSep 14, 2026, 14:36

Former MP and councilor Tara Singh Varma (78) has died

Tara Singh Varma, a former Amsterdam city councilor and the first woman with a migrant background to serve in the Dutch parliament, has died at age 78. She was a prominent advocate for minority women before her political career ended amid a controversy regarding fabricated health issues.

Tara Singh Varma, the first woman with a migrant background to serve in the Dutch House of Representatives, has passed away at the age of 78. Her extensive political career included serving as a city councilor in Amsterdam from 1982 to 1994, representing parties including the CPN and GroenLinks. During her time in parliament, she notably participated in the committee investigating the 1992 Bijlmer air disaster and advocated for the rights of minority women.

Her career ended in controversy in 2001 when it was revealed that she had lied about having a terminal illness to justify her departure from office. Though she initially misled colleagues by appearing in a wheelchair, she later attributed her actions to mental health struggles. Following her exit from politics, Singh Varma worked in media, including roles at Volkskrant Suriname and local Amsterdam radio stations, and later held various jobs within the city.

Politics

Read original ↗

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

Even a fall is complicated for this minority cabinet

The Jetten cabinet faces complex political challenges that make a potential collapse difficult to navigate. Past political traumas are complicating decision-making and preventing a breakthrough for the current minority government.

China and US pledge to keep each other informed on AI incidents

The United States and China have established a communication channel to address incidents involving artificial intelligence, prompted by recent reports of autonomous AI model breaches. This agreement was reached during President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, where the two nations also finalized coal import deals and extended a key trade truce.

Cabinet prepared to scrap social security cuts

The Dutch government is prepared to cancel all planned social security cuts, including those to unemployment and incapacity benefits, to gain support for its annual budget. However, while left-leaning parties have reacted positively to the move, right-wing opposition groups remain critical due to unresolved concerns over migration, social policies, and the lack of clarity on funding these changes.

Van Weel is the first to notice, but the other ministers have been warned as well

Minister of Justice David van Weel was forced to make a significant public apology to the opposition in the House of Representatives. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the current cabinet, which governs as a minority and must frequently compromise to remain in power.

CNN barred from Air Force One, other networks also left behind

The White House has blocked CNN from joining the presidential travel pool for an upcoming trip on Air Force One, opting to replace them with the conservative network Real America's Voice. Other major news organizations have responded to the decision by choosing not to utilize the pool footage in a display of solidarity with CNN.