Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Heemskerk city council restricts long-winded speakers: 'It's not about stopping people from having their say, but it can be more efficient'
The Heemskerk city council is introducing speaking time limits for its meetings to address their increasing duration and improve efficiency. Deputy clerk Marjon Oostveen stated that while the goal is ...
Pro-Russian Radev leads in Bulgarian elections
Exit polls indicate that pro-Russian candidate Rumen Radev is leading the Bulgarian elections with approximately 38 percent of the vote. Radev gained significant support through his campaign promise t...
Birth mothers also want recognition and apologies from others
Following the Dutch government's apology to women forced to give up their children for adoption, advocacy groups are calling for similar recognition and apologies from other involved institutions. The...
Belgian activist and author Fleur Pierets awarded Jos Brink Prize
Belgian activist, artist, and writer Fleur Pierets was awarded the biennial Jos Brink Prize on Sunday by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The award aims to promote LGBTQ+ emancipa...
Iran yet to decide on next round of talks with US
The Iranian leadership has not yet decided whether to participate in a new round of negotiations with the United States. Reports indicate that further talks may be suspended as long as the US Navy con...
Spain wants EU to end association agreement with Israel
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain will formally request the European Union to terminate its association agreement with Israel. The proposal, which cites alleged violations of ...
Groningen Commissioner files police report after FDF 'war threat'
René Paas, the King's Commissioner in Groningen, is filing a police report against the Farmers Defence Force (FDF) following threats made by the activist group. The FDF allegedly threatened 'war' aft...
Iran arrests foreigners for importing Starlink equipment
Iranian authorities have arrested two foreigners for their involvement in importing Starlink satellite internet equipment. Such internet services are currently prohibited in the country, where the gov...
Trump: US negotiators in Pakistan Monday
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with severe consequences if a new deal is not reached. He announced that American negotiators will arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening for discussions.
Eight people still in hospital after Kyiv shooting
Eight people, including a child, remain hospitalized following a shooting in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the incident resulted in the deaths of six people.
Congo government and rebels reach agreement on humanitarian aid
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group have reached an agreement to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population. Additionally, both sides have com...
Zelensky: Patriot missiles could run out
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on the Dutch television program Buitenhof that Ukraine's supply of Patriot missiles could run out depending on the frequency and intensity of Russian atta...
Father's Day and Mother's Day: are we really changing them to You Day?
A leaked language guide from the Dutch Ministry of Education suggesting inclusive alternatives for Father's Day and Mother's Day has sparked a political row in the House of Representatives. Critics ha...
Part-timers will not solve labor market shortage by working more
The Dutch government's efforts to address labor market shortages by encouraging part-time employees to work more hours are proving ineffective. Labor market experts state that these measures are havin...
The Greenhouse | Let politicians think of their great-great-grandchildren for once
Climate reporter Jeroen Kraan highlights a recommendation from the Dutch Council of State suggesting that politicians should consider future generations when drafting new legislation. The column advoc...
Police helicopter flying over city for hours supports high-value transport
A police helicopter was deployed in Amsterdam on Sunday morning to provide security for a high-value transport traveling across several districts. Residents reported the activity starting around 6:30 ...
Climate activists protest against 'dark side' of Haarlem Flower Parade
Extinction Rebellion is conducting peaceful protests during the Haarlem Flower Parade to raise awareness about the use of pesticides in flower cultivation. Activists organized a "bee march" and gagged...
Ukraine claims attack on drone factory in Russia
The Ukrainian military claims to have carried out a nighttime attack on a drone factory in the Russian city of Taganrog. The strike on the Sea of Azov facility reportedly damaged Russia's ability to p...
Skinnybikes with thin tires to bypass fat bike rules in Vondelpark: "New hype"
Cyclists in Amsterdam are turning to "skinnybikes" to bypass a new ban on fatbikes in Vondelpark starting May 11, which only permits bicycles with tires thinner than seven centimeters. Retailers repor...
Iran: progress in talks with US, but agreement still far off
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced on Saturday that while progress is being made in negotiations with the United States, a final agreement remains far off. The discussions a...
Yonhap: North Korea fires at least one ballistic missile
North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile in an easterly direction on Sunday, according to reports from the South Korean military. This event is the latest in a series of recent missile test...
Brazil, Mexico and Spain pledge additional aid to Cuba
Brazil, Mexico, and Spain have pledged to increase humanitarian aid to Cuba to mitigate the impact of the ongoing U.S. blockade. In a joint statement, the three nations called for a sincere dialogue b...
Iran: every ship in the Strait of Hormuz is a target
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy has declared that any vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a target. This warning follows an earlier announcement by Iran stating its intenti...
Evacuation due to strange smell at COA reception center in Hoofddorp
Emergency services responded to a COA asylum seekers' reception center in Hoofddorp on Saturday following reports of a strange smell. The building was evacuated, and the situation was escalated to a G...
Hoofddorp asylum center evacuated after gas smell, 500 people sheltered
An asylum seeker center in Hoofddorp was fully evacuated on Monday evening after reports of a gas smell. Approximately 500 residents were temporarily sheltered in a nearby restaurant while emergency s...
Mayor sees effect of measures against A2 cut-through traffic
Mayor Sjors Fröhlich of Vijfheerenlanden reports that measures to reduce cut-through traffic during major roadworks on the A2 highway appear to be successful. While traffic remained heavy due to the ...
Israel establishes ‘yellow line’ in South Lebanon
The Israeli military has established a "yellow line" in southern Lebanon to separate its forces from other areas, mirroring a strategy used in the Gaza Strip. The army also announced the neutralizatio...
Why the cabinet thinks unions will reach a state pension deal soon after all
The Dutch minority cabinet is seeking a quick agreement with trade unions regarding the state pension (AOW) to ensure its own political survival. While the government's policies have revitalized the u...
Prosecutor: Kyiv shooter was 58-year-old man from Moscow
A 58-year-old man born in Moscow shot and killed several people in Kyiv on Saturday using an automatic weapon. The attacker was subsequently killed by police, and authorities state that his motive is ...
Pope Leo denounces exploitation of Africa for raw materials
Pope Leo strongly condemned the exploitation of African nations for their natural resources during his visit to oil-rich Angola. He stated that the continent is a victim of despots and tyrants who fai...