Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Evers tobacco shop closes after nearly a century: 'Fireworks ban was the final straw'
Frank Evers is closing his 98-year-old independent tobacco shop in Hillegom on March 28, marking the end of the town's last standalone cigar shop. Evers noted that the fireworks ban provided the final...
Thailand: Agreement with Iran on oil tanker passage
Thailand and Iran have reached an agreement regarding the passage of Thai oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was announced by the Thai Prime Minister on Saturday morning.
Master swindler or benefactor? The Canadian who promised Zandvoort the world
In 1981, Canadian businessman Michael Hordo arrived in Zandvoort with grand plans to transform the coastal town into a major tourist hub, including proposals for a theme park and international golf ch...
After 124 years, tram line 3 makes its final run today
After 124 years of service, Amsterdam's historic tram line 3 is making its final journey today before being discontinued in a major GVB timetable overhaul. The decision to cut the east-west connection...
HAP has lowest number of seats since 1994, party leader reflects on ‘painful’ loss: ‘It’s a kick in the butt’
The local political party Haarlemmermeerse Actieve Politiek (HAP) suffered a significant loss in the recent elections, dropping from six seats to just two. This result marks the party's lowest seat co...
Don Bijl (73) appointed informateur in Beverwijk. Second-place party Vrij! seeks coalition without election winner Samen Lokaal
Former mayor Don Bijl has been appointed as the informateur to lead the coalition formation process in Beverwijk. During the initial debates, the second-largest party, Vrij!, expressed its preference ...
Wijk aan Zee beach to get smoke-free zone in 2027, signs being installed this season
The Beverwijk city council has decided to establish a smoke-free zone on the family beach of Wijk aan Zee starting in the 2027 season. Preparatory signs will be installed this year following consultat...
Anti-bullying activist Puk quits Liberaal Blauw after three months over allegations of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior; party denies issues
Anti-bullying activist Puk Lieverst has resigned from the Liberaal Blauw political party after only three months, alleging unprofessional and unwanted behavior by a fellow party member. Party leader F...
Toos & Henk - March 28
Cartoonist Paul Kusters shares his unique perspective on current events through his daily comic strip, Toos & Henk. The series is published six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.
Aalsmeer Mayor informateur in Castricum: 'He is moving at a fast pace'
Gido Oude Kotte, the Mayor of Aalsmeer, has been appointed as the mediator for coalition talks in Castricum. He began the initial discussions on Friday and aims to complete his recommendations by Thur...
Bonaire asks Netherlands for urgent help with rising prices
The Executive Council of Bonaire has requested urgent assistance from the Dutch government to combat rising prices for food and fuel. Increased shipping costs driven by international instability are m...
US troops wounded in attack on Saudi Arabia base
Twelve American service members were injured following an Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Two of the soldiers are reported to be in serious condition according to U.S. au...
Houthis threaten to intervene in Iran war
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced their readiness to join the conflict in the Middle East if allies of the United States and Israel intervene against Iran. The Iran-backed group broadcast this...
Witkoff: US hopeful about Iran talks this week
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the United States is hopeful about upcoming talks with Iran this week aimed at ending the war. Speaking at a meeting in Miami, Witkoff expressed confide...
Iran vows revenge for attacks on nuclear and steel industries
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran will retaliate for Israeli attacks on the country's energy and steel industries. Araghchi stated that the strikes violate promises previou...
Suspicious stock trades point to the White House
Democrats in the U.S. Congress are raising concerns about potential corruption following suspicious stock market transactions linked to President Trump’s market-moving actions. There are allegations...
NYT: Musk participated in phone call between Trump and Modi
Tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction was first reported by The New York Times...
Mona Keijzer cancels BBB membership
Mona Keijzer has officially resigned her membership from the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) after being passed over as a potential party leader. Having already left the party's parliamentary faction, she wi...
Care for tens of thousands of long COVID patients stops abruptly as minister pulls plug on support center
The Dutch Ministry of Health has decided to end funding for Q- and C-support, an organization providing aftercare for 35,000 patients suffering from long-term COVID-19 and Q-fever symptoms. Despite th...
Emotions run high at extra BBB members' meeting
BBB party members expressed significant frustration and sadness during an emergency meeting regarding recent internal leadership changes. The tensions followed Henk Vermeer's appointment as party lead...
US House proposes own plan to avoid partial shutdown
The United States House of Representatives has rejected a Senate proposal to end the partial government shutdown. Instead, the House plans to introduce its own funding legislation specifically for the...
Kallas confronts Hungarian minister over leaks to Russia
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has confronted Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó over reports that he leaked confidential information from EU meetings to Russia. Kallas emphasized the importan...
BBB senator publicly resigns membership during party meeting but wants to remain in caucus
Senator Robert van Gasteren publicly resigned his membership in the BBB party during a meeting in Barneveld, citing dissatisfaction with the party's professionalism and direction. Despite leaving the ...
Heemstede heading for D66, VVD, GL-PvdA coalition; former mayor Heeremans appointed formateur
In Heemstede, D66, VVD, and GL-PvdA are moving toward forming a coalition government following post-election exploratory talks. Former mayor Heeremans has been appointed as the formateur to lead the f...
Joint call to politicians: Have the courage to be radically present in neighborhoods
Social and business leaders in Amsterdam have warned that the growing disconnect in vulnerable neighborhoods acts as a 'ticking time bomb' threatening social stability. They urge political and corpora...
UN seeks $80 million for emergency refugee aid in Iran
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is seeking 80 million dollars to fund an emergency aid plan for refugees in Iran and surrounding countries through May. The assistance is primarily intended to support th...
US: Affected countries must help counter Strait of Hormuz tolls
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned Iran's plan to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Following a G7 meeting, Rubio stated that nations most affected by the prop...
Hermans allocates millions for pandemic preparedness
Minister Sophie Hermans has structurally allocated up to 177 million euros to ensure the Netherlands is prepared for a future pandemic. These funds will be reallocated from various sections of her min...
ANP Election Service: local parties not the big winners of the elections
The ANP Election Service has revised its provisional results, indicating that the gains made by local parties in the recent municipal elections were smaller than previously reported. Consequently, loc...
Van Essen allocates 150 million from nitrogen fund for nature and farmers
Dutch Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen has allocated 150 million euros this year for nature restoration and agricultural measures to address the nitrogen crisis. The funding is drawn from a larger...