paroolOct 30, 2026, 12:58

Roos van Riel and Madelief van Dongen join Politiek aan de Amstel podcast with insights from the Stopera: ‘No discussion is off-limits’

Reporters Roos van Riel and Madelief van Dongen have stepped into new roles as political journalists covering the Amsterdam city hall, also known as the Stopera, for Het Parool. They are now co-hosting the weekly podcast Politiek aan de Amstel alongside contributors from AT5 and De Telegraaf to analyze municipal developments and local government challenges.

Roos van Riel and Madelief van Dongen have joined the Amsterdam political reporting team, taking over coverage of the Stopera for Het Parool. The pair spends their time navigating municipal affairs, from handling complex dossiers like the Oostbrug delays to monitoring the city's significant reorganization and budget cuts. Their primary goal is to provide deep, analytical insights into local governance and the daily realities of city hall politics.

Alongside colleagues from AT5 and De Telegraaf, they host the weekly podcast Politiek aan de Amstel. The program allows the reporters to share behind-the-scenes experiences and stories that do not always fit into traditional newspaper articles. By bringing together different media perspectives, the podcast offers a space for open debate regarding pressing urban issues, such as homelessness, drug-related challenges, and the city's massive budgetary requirements. Each Friday, the hosts examine these critical developments to provide listeners with a clearer understanding of how decisions in the municipal building impact the city.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Lawyer for Overasselt attack target withdraws from case

Jan G. from Overasselt faces legal turmoil following an underworld attack on his home that killed a security guard and led to his own arrest for drug trafficking. His defense attorney, Ralph Takens, has now stepped down from the case while Jan G. remains detained in a high-security facility.

Cabinet on edge over weekend riot plans, shops boarded up: ‘Worrying signals’

Dutch authorities are monitoring reports of potential riots and looting scheduled for the upcoming weekend following social media calls. In response, businesses in some cities have boarded up their storefronts and schools have warned parents to keep students at home, though officials note that much of the online evidence remains unconfirmed.

Youths share calls for riots in Dutch cities, schools warn

Dutch schools and authorities are on high alert after social media messages began encouraging youth to riot and loot stores in various cities this weekend. While police are monitoring the situation, school boards have contacted parents urging them to prevent their children from attending these potentially escalating gatherings.

Journalist Sarah Haaij (41) sees an Amsterdam full of exploitation: 'Even my leftist friends don't know if their cleaner has a passport'

Journalist Sarah Haaij has published a book investigating the prevalence of labor exploitation among migrant workers in Amsterdam. Through interviews with both victims and perpetrators, she reveals that these issues are deeply rooted in the city and often go ignored by the general public.

City will not appeal against new and broader Schiphol rules, alderman wants enforcement

The municipality of Amsterdam will not legally challenge the new national regulations for Schiphol Airport, despite concerns that the rules may increase noise pollution. Councilor Sofyan Mbarki argues that the updated framework provides necessary mechanisms for regulatory enforcement, even though the city acknowledges the rules do not fully align with its local sustainability goals.