Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
UAE denies reports of secret Netanyahu visit
The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the country. This statement contradicts claims from the Israeli Prime Ministe...
Jetten: Islands can be a model in the energy transition
Minister Rob Jetten stated that the six Caribbean islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands can serve as models for a successful energy transition. He noted that Aruba's current focus on gas as an...
Riot police with water cannon on the scene in Loosdrecht
Police ordered protesters in Loosdrecht to disperse on Wednesday evening after the demonstration turned hostile and fireworks were set off. A mobile unit equipped with a water cannon was deployed to t...
Dutch cabinet seeks solution for Palestinian asylum seekers with asylum in Greece
The Dutch government is seeking a solution for Palestinian asylum seekers who have already been granted asylum in Greece but are reapplying in the Netherlands. While a small group is being returned to...
Another protest in Loosdrecht, but further from reception center
Dozens of people in Loosdrecht gathered on Wednesday evening to protest the emergency asylum seeker shelter located in the local town hall. Due to an emergency ordinance and a designated safety risk z...
Lebanon: Israel destroyed thousands of homes since start of ceasefire
The Lebanese national research institute reports that Israel has destroyed or damaged over 10,000 homes in Lebanon since the ceasefire began on April 17. According to the government organization, 5,38...
VNG seeks emergency talks with cabinet over 'terror' at asylum center protests
The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) has requested an emergency meeting with the Dutch cabinet to address riots and intimidation occurring during protests against asylum seeker housing....
VVD wants action against far-right group in Loosdrecht
The Dutch VVD party is calling for cabinet intervention against a far-right group accused of hijacking local protests against asylum seeker centers, specifically citing a recent incident in Loosdrecht...
Jetten to discuss Insiya kidnapping with Indian PM Modi, Netherlands sends delegation to India
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten will discuss the kidnapping case of Insiya with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Netherlands this weekend. The Dutch government is also sendi...
Installation of new Heemstede administration possible as early as June 8. ‘Talks with formateur proceeded expeditiously’
The formation of a new municipal government in Heemstede is moving faster than expected, with the installation of the new college potentially occurring on June 8. The political parties D66, VVD, and P...
These seniors in Amsterdam North tell the municipality what can be improved in their neighborhood: ‘It is important to make our voices heard’
Antique market spared: early stall setup allowed again
The antiques market in Haarlem is permitted to resume setting up stalls on Friday afternoons after a brief ban was overturned. Local political parties had intervened to question the sudden rule change...
Government at wits' end: is Russia behind the fierce anti-asylum center protests in Loosdrecht and elsewhere? 'At least not all racists'
The Dutch government is struggling to address a wave of intense anti-asylum seeker demonstrations in Loosdrecht and other areas involving a diverse mix of far-right groups, rioters, and concerned loca...
Middle fingers and insults for emergency shelter supporters in Loosdrecht day after riots: 'Why don't you take them in yourselves?'
Tensions persisted in Loosdrecht the day after riots occurred near an emergency shelter, with supporters of the facility facing verbal abuse and hostility from opponents. Local authorities, including ...
Video | King intervenes during cocaine question for Minister Van Weel: 'That's a secret'
Emergency order around Loosdrecht town hall
An emergency ordinance has been implemented in part of Loosdrecht, specifically restricting access to the area surrounding the town hall. Individuals are only permitted in the vicinity if they can pro...
OPEC expects lower oil demand due to higher prices
OPEC has lowered its global oil demand forecast for the year, citing significant price increases for crude oil. These rising costs are primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Ukraine and Lithuania strike drone deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda signed a drone deal during a meeting in Bucharest. As part of the agreement, Ukraine will send a team of military expert...
'They laughingly flip the bird': Bellatrixstraat residents send urgent list of demands to municipality to combat street racing and decay
Residents of Bellatrixstraat in the municipality of Velsen have sent a formal letter to local authorities demanding action against street racing, intimidation, and neighborhood neglect. In response, t...
Criticism from all sides for Markuszower over asylum unrest
During a debate on asylum demonstrations, politician Gidi Markuszower faced criticism from various political parties, including coalition members CDA and D66. Critics argued that his participation in ...
Insurers call on government to tackle rogue contractors
Legal aid insurer DAS is calling on the Dutch government to take stricter action against rogue construction companies following an increase in scams targeting homeowners. Reports indicate that one in ...
Local broadcaster Haarlem105 requests city funding again, seeks structural contribution
Local broadcaster Haarlem105 has requested additional structural funding from the Haarlem city council for the second time in six months. Editors-in-chief Wessel van Opstal and Ruth Oei argue the inve...
Berendsen: list of Gazans with visas already with Israel
Minister Tom Berendsen stated that the Netherlands has submitted requests to Israel to allow nearly 50 Palestinians with Dutch work or study permits to leave Gaza. The minister clarified that the dela...
Dutch cabinet wants police to find missing persons' phones quickly
The Dutch government has proposed a new law that would allow police to track a missing person's phone and view their recent contacts more easily. Published by the Ministry of Justice and Security for ...
Schiphol refueling company faces fine, safety insufficiently guaranteed
Aircraft Fuel Supply (AFS) has been ordered to improve safety at its Schiphol fuel farm after a storage tank imploded. The company faces fines of up to 1.2 million euros from the North Sea Canal Area ...
Give your opinion on the new housing rules from 2027
The city of Amsterdam is proposing updates to its housing regulations within the Housing Ordinance (HVV) starting in 2027. Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their opinions and provide fe...
Iran releases prominent human rights lawyer
Prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was released on bail on Wednesday, according to her daughter. Sotoudeh had been held in custody since her arrest on April 1.
Brussels to call on member states to ban conversion therapy
The European Commission will call on EU member states to ban conversion therapy in response to a petition signed by over one million people. However, the Commission does not intend to propose a unifie...
Another banana peel for the cabinet: the approaching end of mortgage interest deduction
The Dutch government is facing renewed political pressure as civil servants and coalition parties CDA and D66 push for the abolition of the mortgage interest deduction. Despite previous claims that th...
Investigation into Farage for failure to declare million-pound donation
A British parliamentary watchdog has launched an investigation into Reform UK leader Nigel Farage regarding an undeclared donation of 5 million pounds. The inquiry follows reports that the significant...