adApr 14, 2026, 04:00

The CDA politician who helped Sywert secure the face mask deal now oversees asylum laws: who is he?

CDA politician Bart van den Brink, now serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum, is tasked with guiding strict new asylum laws through the Dutch Senate. The profile highlights his transition from a background political figure to a key cabinet member, noting his previous role in facilitating the controversial face mask deal for Sywert van Lienden. Van den Brink is described as a strategic and experienced politician facing a significant legislative challenge.

Politics Netherlands

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

Red Line organization on Sunday's demonstration: "It is still very urgent"

Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in the fourth Rode Lijn protest in Amsterdam this Sunday to call for government action against Israeli policies. The event features a march starting and ending at the Museumplein, prompting traffic restrictions and public transport diversions throughout the city.

Government caused farmers ‘great suffering’ for a decade, says National Ombudsman: ‘Don't dismiss them as crazies, they aren't’

National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen concludes in a new report that the Dutch government has caused significant distress to farmers by failing to provide clear policy and ignoring their concerns for a decade. He urges the government to restore trust by being honest, providing stable guidance, and treating farmers as serious partners in the agricultural transition.

Cabinet has covered less than a fifth of lost Box 3 revenue, Finance Ministry calculates

The Dutch government has failed to secure funding for over 80 percent of the projected revenue loss resulting from upcoming changes to the box 3 tax system. With an uncovered deficit of 17.6 billion euros through 2040, the cabinet faces significant criticism regarding the feasibility and financial planning of its proposal.

Charles abhors history of slavery, apologies remain absent

King Charles III has expressed deep personal sorrow regarding the history of the transatlantic slave trade, though he stopped short of issuing a formal state apology. Instead, he advocated for addressing historical injustices through education, economic development, and cooperation within the Commonwealth.

Lost in box 3? We explain it to you

The Dutch cabinet is planning to transition to a capital gains tax system for box 3 assets by 2029, replacing the current fictitious return model. This change is expected to cost the state billions, leading officials to seek compensatory tax adjustments and tighter rules for business owners to fill the resulting budgetary gap.