Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Many cabinets have tried, will cutting the number of civil servants finally succeed this time?
The Dutch government is attempting to reduce the number of civil servants after numerous failed attempts by previous cabinets. Success likely depends on the government's ability to clearly define whic...
Explosive rise in parking permit costs: sometimes even a doubling
Amsterdam will significantly raise parking permit fees for residents starting next year, with some costs doubling in specific neighborhoods. City officials state the increases are intended to reduce u...
State secretary intervenes at Haga Lyceum: Unacceptable for students to receive substandard education
State Secretary Tielen has intervened at the Amsterdam-based Haga Lyceum due to recurring mismanagement and substandard educational quality. The ministry has demanded a formal improvement plan and inc...
Sharp criticism of Audi CEO after Trump meeting: 'Puppets in propaganda'
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner faces sharp criticism from labor leaders for appearing at a political event for Donald Trump. Critics claim his actions violated company policies regarding political neutralit...
Guy flies back to Israel to vote against Netanyahu, just like tens of thousands of others
Approximately 50,000 Israelis living abroad are traveling back to their home country to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections, as remote voting is prohibited. Many of these citizens are returni...
Guy flies back to Israel to vote against Netanyahu, like tens of thousands of others
Tens of thousands of Israelis are flying back to their home country to vote in parliamentary elections, as expatriate voting is not permitted. Many, including Amsterdam-based resident Guy Spigelman, a...
Cabinet to cut civil service: 25,000 fewer full-time jobs by 2035
The Dutch cabinet plans to reduce the national civil service by 25,000 full-time positions by 2035. State Secretary Eric van der Burg also announced that funding for various advisory bodies will be si...
Review King Me: Greg Shapiro has little left to say that’s funny about Donald Trump
Greg Shapiro's new show King Me features his well-honed Donald Trump impression but shifts the tone from comedy to a form of collective therapy. The performance reflects the difficulty of finding humo...
Sven Kockelmann wins Sonja Barend Award for interview with outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof
Journalist Sven Kockelmann has won the Sonja Barend Award for his interview with outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof. The prize, awarded by a jury of industry professionals, was presented during a tel...
Is Amalia receiving preferential treatment at the Ministry of Defence? It depends on who you ask
The rapid military promotions of Princess Amalia have led to public debate about whether she receives preferential treatment within the Dutch Armed Forces. Experts and the Ministry of Defence clarify ...
State Secretary Derk Boswijk wanted to be a career soldier but wasn't welcome: 'I was so angry and disappointed'
State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk revealed that he was once rejected when attempting to pursue a career as a professional soldier during his youth. Despite his initial disappointment and anger ...
Mamdani hype also catching on among Amsterdam youth: "He is my mayor"
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become an unlikely social media icon among young people in Amsterdam, who admire his authentic online presence. Local experts suggest that Amsterdam politicians could...
Cabinet chooses no side but wants support from both left and right: what do those parties want?
The Dutch minority coalition is negotiating with several opposition parties across the political spectrum to secure a majority for its upcoming tax and budget plans. These talks are complicated by the...
Protesting with bells and whistles against cycling ban at Oosterplas: "Unholy plan"
Starting in April 2027, the nature management organization PWN will prohibit bicycles near the Oosterplas in Bloemendaal during the summer season to ensure emergency access for firefighters. The local...
'Draft-stoppers' notice not only drafts, but also poverty behind front doors
The Tochtjutters in Zandvoort are a group of volunteer energy coaches helping low-income residents reduce energy costs through home improvements and insulation. Beyond practical fixes like installing ...
Amsterdam's municipal debt keeps rising, but is that a problem?
Amsterdam's municipal debt is projected to surpass ten billion euros, prompting discussions on whether this represents a concerning financial burden or a necessary investment in city development. Expe...
Amsterdam's municipal debt keeps rising, but is that a problem?
Amsterdam's municipal debt is expected to reach ten billion euros, prompting concerns from political figures and economists alike regarding the city's financial sustainability. While some view the deb...
Protesters at French consulate in solidarity with protests in France
About twenty people gathered at the French consulate in Amsterdam to support ongoing protests in France. The demonstrators aimed to highlight shared concerns regarding education quality and the rising...
Dry summer already forgotten: hundreds of millions in funding for measures cut
The Dutch government has cut over 1 billion euros from the Delta Programme for Freshwater and other environmental initiatives to prioritize funding for roads and bridges. This decision comes despite a...
Without Starlink Ukraine has a problem, EU alternatives fall short
The Ukrainian military experienced severe operational difficulties following connectivity issues with the Starlink satellite network, which is critical for their drone defense and communication. While...
The French could plunge Europe into crisis: 'France is living beyond its means'
France is facing significant economic difficulties that threaten its long-term financial stability. Experts warn that a potential collapse of the French economy could jeopardize the future of the euro...
Women's organizations devastated after death of Hajar: "Lived in immense fear"
Following the discovery of 29-year-old Hajar's body in an Amsterdam canal, a 23-year-old suspect has been arrested. Local women's organizations are grieving the loss while addressing the broader socie...
Trump scraps part of Canadian tariffs to help border state senator
President Trump has removed 50 percent tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural and forestry products in an effort to support businesses in border states like Maine. The policy change, which takes eff...
Solution sought for 500 million euro shortfall: coalition leaders meet Saturday for complex puzzle
Dutch government leaders are meeting this weekend to address a 500 million euro budget gap and finalize their tax plan. They aim to reach an internal consensus before seeking support from opposition p...
Why was Hajar's disappearance not treated as urgent despite alarming text messages?
The Dutch police are facing questions regarding their decision not to treat the disappearance of 29-year-old Hajar as an urgent case despite her sending alarming text messages to her family. Former in...
New research: Municipality has insufficient oversight of subsidies for Hart voor de K-Buurt foundation
An external investigation found that the Amsterdam municipal government failed to properly monitor 700,000 euros in subsidies granted to the Hart voor de K-Buurt foundation between 2019 and 2023. Alth...
Espionage scoop could further strain fragile US relations
Recent revelations regarding Dutch espionage activities targeting Jared Kushner have caused significant concern in The Hague. This disclosure threatens to further strain the already delicate diplomati...
Why is the Haarlem district of Schalkwijk stalling?
The Haarlem district of Schalkwijk is facing severe traffic congestion caused by several ongoing construction projects, including new housing and a public transport hub. Local authorities are monitori...
Halsema says it is too early to discuss police actions following concerning messages to Hajar
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema is calling for patience regarding criticism of police actions during the disappearance of Hajar while a criminal investigation is ongoing. She noted that authorities beli...
Opinion: Experiment with cyclists on Amstelveenseweg is a dangerous signal: just remove the parking lane
The experimental speed limit for cyclists on Amsterdam's Amstelveenseweg is criticized as a misdirected effort that fails to address the underlying infrastructure problems. Critics advocate for removi...