haarlemsdagbladMar 20, 2026, 19:11

Karianne Kas (D66) receives most preference votes in Bloemendaal, Alderman Stam (VVD) popular in Heemstede, GL-PvdA Zandvoort number 2 outvotes lead candidate

Preference votes for Dutch municipal elections were announced on Friday, revealing significant shifts in candidate popularity in Bloemendaal, Heemstede, and Zandvoort. These results could lead to changes in local council compositions as candidates who received high numbers of preference votes may secure seats over their party's list leaders.

Politics Netherlands

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Cabinet wanted to ease restrictions too quickly during pandemic, says Bruls

Nijmegen Mayor Hubert Bruls testified before the parliamentary inquiry committee that the Dutch cabinet pushed to relax COVID-19 restrictions too quickly in 2020. During his hearing, he reflected on the government's approach and decision-making during the pandemic response.

Israel expects fighting with Iran to last several days

The Israel Defense Forces expect the current hostilities with Iran to continue for several days. The military also stated it is prepared for a full-scale resumption of war as the two nations continue to exchange attacks.

4,000 Beverwijk primary school children receive anniversary book on 750 years of market rights

Approximately 4,000 primary school children in Beverwijk are receiving a special anniversary book titled 'Zevenmaal Beverwijk' to commemorate the city's 750 years of market rights. Written by Truus Zonneveld and illustrated by Tjarko van der Pol, the book is being distributed to students in grades 3 through 8.

Hülya Kat from IJmuiden becomes alderman in Tilburg

Hülya Kat, a 42-year-old politician born in IJmuiden, has been appointed as an alderman in the city of Tilburg. This appointment marks a new direction in Kat's political career.

Bruls: Pace of COVID measures 'unprecedentedly high' in early stages

Hubert Bruls, former chairman of the Safety Council, testified to a parliamentary inquiry committee that the pace of developing COVID-19 measures was "unprecedentedly high" at the start of the pandemic. He described the intense pressure faced by officials during the initial phase of the national crisis response.