rssFeb 26, 2026, 12:00

A coffee with Wessel Meijer (Party for Affordable Living): Self-reliance is the greatest gift

Wessel Meijer, leader of the Party for Affordable Living, outlined his party's platform for the Amsterdam municipal elections, which includes abolishing district committees and promoting self-sufficiency. During an interview in the De Pijp neighborhood, he argued that the current district committee system lacks real power and proposed replacing it with neighborhood representatives to improve local governance and affordability.

Politics Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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IJmond municipalities resigned to impact of Wijkertunnel closure: Disruption inevitable regardless of solution

The closure of the Wijkertunnel this summer is expected to cause significant traffic disruption for residents and commuters in the IJmond region, including Heemskerk, Beverwijk, and Velsen. Local municipalities and Rijkswaterstaat are collaborating to manage the impact, though officials acknowledge that significant traffic nuisance is unavoidable regardless of the measures taken.

Summary: RKAV Volendam secure safety despite loss to AFC

AFC secured a 0-3 victory over RKAV Volendam in the Dutch second division, with Delano Gouda scoring twice for the Amsterdam side. Despite the defeat, Volendam confirmed their safety in the league for next season due to results on other pitches. Meanwhile, Haarlem's Koninklijke HFC remains at risk of relegation following a 0-1 loss to De Treffers.

Power grid full because geese took priority

The Dutch government's underestimation of power grid congestion has stalled new housing projects and forced the use of diesel generators in cities like Delft. This situation highlights conflicting policy goals as the country struggles to manage its energy transition while facing significant infrastructure limitations.

Polling stations close after local elections in Palestinian territories

Polling stations have closed in the Palestinian territories following local elections. This vote marked the first time in twenty years that residents in parts of the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas since 2007, were able to participate.

Netanyahu orders heavy strikes on Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered powerful strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire being in effect since mid-April, hostilities continue between the Israeli military and the Iranian-backed group.