Politics News in English
Latest politics headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
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...
Seven minors arrested after Apeldoorn riots
Police in Apeldoorn arrested seven minors on Tuesday evening following a gathering in the De Maten district protesting asylum seeker reception plans. While six local youths were detained for disturbin...
Trump arrives in China for state visit
U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in China for an official state visit. He is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
Report: Cabinet must take action on mortgage interest deduction
Officials from the Dutch Ministry of Finance report that the government must address issues regarding mortgage interest deductions, despite a coalition agreement to leave the policy unchanged. The rep...
Shots heard at Senate in the Philippines
Dozens of gunshots were reported at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday, though the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. The event may be linked to Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who is currently wa...
Municipality withdraws Bloemendaalseweg redesign plan after criticism from residents and business owners: 'We have listened to you'
The municipality of Bloemendaal has withdrawn its plans for the redesign of the Bloemendaalseweg and the local shopping area following pushback from residents and business owners. Alderman Thessa van ...